Jurgen Klopp will be relieved that Manchester United have been dealt a blow in the race to sign Raphael Varane after Liverpool were linked with the Frenchman in April.
The German signed Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig and has been tipped for success with the Reds by former teammate Yvon Mvogo and with Manchester United set to miss out on Raphael Varane, the Liverpool boss will be delighted.
In my view, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs a world-class centre-back more than he needs to sign Jadon Sancho as he already has an array of top-class forwards but is yet to sort his defence out.
GDANSK, POLAND – MAY 26: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manager of Manchester United looks dejected as he acknowledges the fans following the UEFA Europa League Final between Villarreal CF and Manchester United at Gdansk Arena on May 26, 2021 in Gdansk, Poland. (Photo by Kacper Pempel – Pool/Getty Images)
Despite Liverpool fielding 20 different centre-back partnerships this season, they still had a better defensive record in the Premier League compared to United, with the Mancunians conceding two goals more in 38 games.
What is the Varane news and why does it benefit Liverpool?
The Reds were previously linked with a move for the decorated defender by Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo and in April ABC suggested that Varane was keen on a move to Liverpool.
Of course, that turned out to be total rubbish but now a report from Spanish newspaper El Confidencial claims that Manchester United are set to miss out on Varane, with the French international partial to a return home and is available for around €60million (£51.5m).
Paris Saint-Germain are on a tear in the transfer market as they look to bounce back from two successive Champions League heartbreaks. They’ve already confirmed Wijnaldum’s move to Parc des Princes, are close to announcing Gianluigi Donnarumma and could sign Varane.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 18: Gianluigi Donnarumma of AC Milan reacts during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Second Leg match between AC Milan and Manchester United at San Siro on March 18, 2021 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Fabrizio Romano says their next priority is to sign a right-back with Achraf Hakimi a target for them. In short, PSG are going to be a major problem in Europe but Liverpool will be delighted that United are missing out on a player that could have a Virgil van Dijk-esque impact on their defensive fortunes.
Winning the Premier League is mostly about being the best defensive side across 38 games as Manchester City proved this season with Ruben Dias starring in their title win.
Virgil van Dijk’s return makes Liverpool title favourites
Rival fans will discredit the Dutchman and look for flaws in his game but there aren’t any and having him back in the centre of defence alongside Ibrahima Konate will be a massive boost to the Reds’ chances of winning the Premier League again.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MAY 23: ( THE SUN OUT,THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool in action the crowd during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Anfield on May 23, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Not only does van Dijk guarantee that Liverpool will be hugely difficult to beat next term but he also improves their attacking fortunes as he is a massive threat from set-pieces – something that has been missing hugely this season.
Alisson Becker won’t be relied on to score big goals and that can only be a good thing.
