Liverpool Eyeing Move to Sign 18-year-old Defender as Trent Alexander-Arnold Replacement – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool and Barcelona Set for Transfer Battle Over Feyenoord’s Rising Star Givairo Read

Feyenoord’s highly-rated right-back, Givairo Read, has emerged as one of the most sought-after young talents in Europe. The 18-year-old has attracted significant attention from Liverpool and Barcelona, with both clubs preparing to go head-to-head for his signature. According to a recent report from Sport, Read’s meteoric rise in Dutch football has not gone unnoticed by Europe’s elite.

Givairo Read: A Prodigy in the Making

Born in Amsterdam, Givairo Read made his professional debut in the Dutch third tier at just 15 years of age. Within a year, he had broken into the Eredivisie and earned a move to Feyenoord, where he continued to impress under the guidance of now-Liverpool manager Arne Slot. Slot, who led Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title in 2023, handed Read his senior European debut and has been instrumental in his development.

In the current season, Read has solidified his place as a first-team regular, recording six assists from right-back, making him the second most creative defender in the Eredivisie. This remarkable achievement has drawn comparisons with some of the best full-backs in Europe.

Photo: IMAGO

Barcelona, under their ongoing mission to rejuvenate the squad, have been closely monitoring Read’s progress. However, despite their interest, the Catalan giants already have Jules Koundé and Héctor Fort as right-back options. Liverpool, on the other hand, are facing a potential void in that position.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Uncertain Future

The uncertainty surrounding Liverpool’s right-back position is one of the main reasons for their interest in Read. Trent Alexander-Arnold, the club’s academy graduate and long-time stalwart, is reportedly on the verge of a free transfer to Real Madrid this summer, as his contract expires in June. Despite the club’s efforts to retain him, the England international seems set on a new challenge, leaving Liverpool potentially thin in the right-back department.

If Alexander-Arnold departs, Liverpool’s options would be limited to Conor Bradley, a promising talent but not yet proven at the highest level. While Liverpool had previously been linked with Read’s teammate Lutsharel Geertruida, his recent shift to centre-back has seemingly made Read the more viable option for Slot’s side.

Ronald Koeman’s Caution: Read Not Yet Ready

Despite Read’s impressive rise, not everyone is convinced of his readiness for the highest level of international football. Ronald Koeman, the Netherlands national team manager, controversially omitted the youngster from his latest squad. When questioned, Koeman remarked:

“The name of Givairo Read has not crossed my mind. We are currently looking at other players. He is a young talent, so he is not yet ready for the Dutch national team.”

Photo: IMAGO

This statement could be interpreted as a challenge to Read, suggesting that although his potential is evident, he still has areas to improve before breaking into the senior international setup.

Why Liverpool Must Secure Read

Regardless of Koeman’s reservations, Read’s statistics speak volumes. His creativity from right-back is precisely what Liverpool may lack if Alexander-Arnold moves on. Moreover, Arne Slot’s familiarity with the player could prove pivotal. Slot has previously shown his willingness to put faith in young talent, and Read’s rapid development under his tutelage at Feyenoord is a testament to that.

Signing Read would not only secure Liverpool’s future at right-back but also send a strong statement about their intent to remain competitive amidst the squad transition following Jurgen Klopp’s departure.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, the prospect of signing Givairo Read is an intriguing one. The potential departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold leaves a massive void, both defensively and creatively, in the team. Read’s ability to contribute assists from deep positions fits Liverpool’s philosophy of dynamic full-back play, reminiscent of Alexander-Arnold’s influence.

What makes Read especially appealing is his existing relationship with Arne Slot. Slot has already demonstrated his faith in the youngster by giving him his European debut, and Liverpool fans would trust the manager’s judgement in bringing him to Anfield. Additionally, the chance to see a teenager with such raw potential grow under Slot’s guidance is something that excites the fanbase.

Some may be cautious given Ronald Koeman’s comments about Read not being ready for the Dutch national team. However, international football is often about timing and maturity, and club football requires a different mindset. Read has already proven himself capable at the club level, and that should be the priority for Liverpool.

While Barcelona’s interest is undoubtedly serious, Liverpool have a unique advantage with Slot at the helm. If the club can secure Read’s signature, it would not only address a crucial positional need but also bolster the long-term future of the squad. Fans will be hoping that the pull of reuniting with his former manager outweighs the allure of playing for the La Liga giants.