Liverpool line up ‘next Zabayarni’ for January | OneFootball

Richard Hughes Targets Another Defensive Gem for Liverpool

Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes may be plotting another masterstroke, with reports suggesting that the Reds are eyeing Dynamo Kyiv defender Taras Mykhavko as their next long-term investment. Following in the footsteps of Ilya Zabarnyi, another Hughes discovery from Ukraine, Mykhavko has emerged as one of Europe’s most promising young centre-backs.

Scouting a Hidden Talent

According to Anfield Watch, Liverpool have identified Mykhavko as a possible target for the January or summer transfer window. The 20-year-old defender has quietly built a reputation for composure, intelligence and technical ability — qualities that align perfectly with Arne Slot’s system.

Mykhavko first turned heads on his Ukraine U21 debut, scoring against England’s youngsters, and he has since impressed in the Europa League for Dynamo Kyiv. His performances have drawn comparisons with Zabarnyi, who once made the same leap from Kyiv before Hughes sold him to Paris Saint-Germain.

As Bence Bocsak wrote for Anfield Watch, “He announced himself on the international stage with a goal against England’s U21 side on his debut for Ukraine’s U21 team.” It is that same combination of courage and capability that appears to have captured Liverpool’s attention.

Perfect Fit for Slot’s Defensive Blueprint

Under Arne Slot, Liverpool’s defence relies heavily on possession, composure and anticipation. Mykhavko’s numbers show he would be well-suited to that profile. Over his senior career, he has won as per the report 73% of his defensive duels and 62.3% of his aerial duels, while averaging more than 70 passes per 90 minutes.

Importantly, over 40% of his passes have been forward, showing his intent to progress play rather than recycle possession. His 9.34 passes into the final third per 90 minutes, with a 74% success rate, underline that he is more than a traditional centre-back. “He looks ahead to make penetrative passes into dangerous territories,” wrote Bocsak.

Speed and recovery ability also feature in his game, making him a dynamic option who could thrive in Liverpool’s high defensive line.

Patience and Planning

Hughes has built a career on spotting potential before it peaks. At Bournemouth, he identified Milos Kerkez, Dean Huijsen and Zabarnyi, all of whom developed into top-level players. His reputation as a “shrewd negotiator” continues to grow at Anfield, where his transfer strategy appears focused on sustainable squad building.

As Anfield Watch notes, “Any defender coming in won’t have to start games right away, not until Virgil van Dijk is still at the club. So there will be time and patience to settle and adjust.”

Mykhavko, then, represents more than short-term depth — he could be Liverpool’s next defensive cornerstone in waiting.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool fans will view this potential signing as another example of the club’s evolving transfer intelligence under Richard Hughes. While the names may not carry the glamour of marquee signings, the long-term logic is unmistakable.

Slot’s system demands defenders who can build from the back and cope with high-intensity pressing. Mykhavko’s passing range and defensive numbers fit that profile neatly, and the idea of grooming him behind Van Dijk, Konaté and Gomez makes strategic sense.

The link also reaffirms Liverpool’s broader scouting reach into Eastern Europe, where undervalued talent remains ripe for discovery. Zabarnyi’s success at PSG adds credibility to Hughes’ eye for that market.

For supporters, Mykhavko would represent another glimpse into Liverpool’s long-term vision rather than reactive transfer chaos. As one might hear on Merseyside, “If Hughes rates him, he must be special.”