Liverpool may turn to Eastern Europe for next Van Dijk partner | OneFootball

Liverpool Scout Dynamo Kyiv Starlet Taras Mykhavko

Liverpool’s centre-back situation has hit a worrying juncture. With only Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez currently fit and available, depth is thinning at the worst possible moment. Reports via Anfield Watch, crediting TBR Football, state that Liverpool are actively monitoring 20-year-old Dynamo Kyiv sensation Taras Mykhavko as a potential long-term defensive solution.

Konate’s thigh issue on return from international duty has amplified concerns, particularly after failed summer pursuits of Marc Guehi and the untimely ACL injury to Giovanni Leoni. As one Liverpool insider reportedly told Anfield Watch, “There is no choice now, we must act or risk undermining everything Slot has built.”

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Rising Star With Serious Credentials

Mykhavko has emerged as one of Ukraine’s brightest defensive talents. Still only 20, he led Dynamo Kyiv to the Ukrainian Premier League title in 2024/25, earning the award of Ukraine’s Young Player of the Year. He has featured in European competition against Crystal Palace and continues to impress for the Ukraine Under-21s.

Interest is growing beyond Merseyside. Chelsea, Manchester United, Newcastle, Brentford and Brighton have all tracked him, while RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly hovering. One Kyiv source is said to have quipped, “He will not be here next summer, the only question is where he lands.”

Strategic Fit For Liverpool’s Next Cycle

With Van Dijk approaching the latter years of his career, Liverpool must plan succession carefully. Mykhavko’s profile – physically dominant, composed in build-up and aggressive in duels – aligns with Liverpool’s evolving high-line structure. His contract runs until 2028, but Kyiv are thought to be open to structured bids.

Anfield Watch summarised the club’s stance directly: “Liverpool’s need for a centre-back is well-documented and it’s only a matter of time before they will require a long-term successor to Van Dijk.”

Project Signing Or Immediate Backup?

Liverpool face a decision. Do they pursue an already-established defender such as Ronald Araujo or Willian Pacho, or lean into a high-potential option like Mykhavko? Given Arne Slot’s track record of accelerating young talent, a move for the Ukrainian could be viewed as both cost-efficient and forward-thinking.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool fans will be split on this one. On one hand, the idea of signing a 20-year-old who may or may not adapt instantly to Premier League intensity could send nerves rattling through a fanbase still scarred by defensive injury crises. After all, “project signings” in key positions rarely satisfy title-chasing expectations.

However, Mykhavko is no ordinary punt. His achievements at such a young age mirror the trajectory of Illia Zabarnyi, who adapted seamlessly to English football with Bournemouth. If Liverpool move before Bayern or Leipzig pounce, it could be a masterstroke akin to signing Andy Robertson or Dominik Szoboszlai before their explosion in value.

Still, many supporters will argue that a double signing strategy is required – an elite-level addition now, and a developmental prospect alongside. With Champions League football and a Premier League crown to defend, Slot cannot afford another January window like past seasons where Liverpool found themselves short at the worst moment. Mykhavko may be ready, but Liverpool must ensure they are too.