According to a recent report from Italian news outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, Liverpool have entered a three-horse race to sign Inter Milan stalwart Milan Skriniar – who comes as a potentially half price Kalidou Koulibaly alternative.
Skriniar, who has been a mainstay under Antonio Conte for the Serie A giants over 2019/2020, starting 29 league matches in total, is currently valued at around €50 million (£45.3 million) – a price tag that is exactly 50% cheaper than fellow defensive target Koulibaly.
Who should Liverpool sign?
Kalidou Koulibaly
Milan Skriniar
The latter man, currently one of the most highly-sought after defensive assets in Europe, will reportedly not be able to leave Napoli unless we pay chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis’ the desired €100 million (£90.7 million) fee – putting into question Liverpool’s ability to sign the Senegalese international.
Indeed, while Koulibaly comes with that lofty asking price, Skriniar commands a somewhat reasonable tag by comparison – and his accolades this season could suggest he is the perfect alternative to partner Virgil van Dijk at centre-back.
According to WhoScored, whilst averaging an impressive 92.2% pass accuracy out from the back, highlighting the fact he is an adept ball-playing defender, Skriniar also stands at an imposing 6ft 2 and makes more clearances per match than current favourite Joe Gomez.
Indeed, his numbers in the Champions League have also been noteworthy, with the Slovakian international averaging more tackles on Europe’s biggest stage than any Liverpool player.
Dejan Lovren could also be set to depart Anfield in the coming seasons, and if sporting director Michael Edwards wishes to bolster the squad with Van Dijk’s ideal defensive partner – it appears Skriniar may be a viable option.
However, with rivals Man City and Man United also in the hunt, Liverpool will have to battle hard for his signature.