Centre-back confirms he's ready to join Liverpool | OneFootball

One centre-back has confirmed he's ready to join Liverpool.

When Richard Hughes failed to secure Marc Guehi during the summer transfer window last year, there was an immediate feeling that the decision could eventually haunt Liverpool.

At the time, many supporters questioned whether the club had done enough to strengthen its defensive options especially since they let Jarell Quansah leave, and those concerns now appear fully justified with Liverpool having ended the campaign in disappointing fifth place.

The devastating injury suffered by Giovanni Leoni has exposed just how fragile Liverpool’s defensive depth really is.

Liverpool’s inability to revisit a move for Guehi in January only added to the frustration, especially after allowing Manchester City to step in and complete the signing instead which has strengthened a rival and allowed Pep Guardiola's side to gain a bit of momentum.

Although Liverpool did bring in Jeremy Jacquet as a promising investment for the future, he's only joining this summer and he would not have been able to help either as he has spent most of the second half of the season injured.

He remains a player with potential rather than someone ready to carry the defensive line for the next decade to come. The plan is for him and Leoni to be the leaders of Liverpool's defence.

However, relying on Leoni and Jacquet alone would leave the squad dangerously short of proven options.

With both Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate continuing to struggle with injuries, while also facing uncertainty surrounding their futures at the club, further reinforcements are essential.

Liverpool may still have exciting young talent coming through like Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Talla Ndiaye, but Liverpool need someone a bit more proven as well.

Given there is a lack of depth in the right-back position if Gomez was to depart, the best possible solution would be to bring in a centre-back or right-back hybrid.

Someone who could play in both roles would be ideal. Even though players capable of doing both are rare, there is one ideal profile playing for RC Lens in France.

Ismaelo Ganiou.

You may not have heard much about Ganiou yet, but the 20-year-old has quietly emerged as one of the more intriguing young defenders in France after breaking into the first team at RC Lens this season.

Earlier in his career, Ganiou was mainly used as a wing-back or traditional right-back, roles that helped develop his attacking instincts and comfort on the ball. However, Lens have recently deployed him on the right side of a back three, and the switch seems to suit his game perfectly.

Playing as a right-sided centre-back gives him the freedom to step forward, carry the ball into dangerous areas and contribute higher up the pitch. He is quick across the ground, technically sharp and very composed in possession.

In attacking areas, he has the ability to spot clever forward passes, while also being confident enough to take on opponents himself when space opens up.

What makes Ganiou especially interesting is his versatility. He looks equally comfortable overlapping down the flank or drifting into central areas to help build play.

It was as a centre-back that Ganiou confirmed he was ready for a move to Liverpool and a step-up to Anfield.

In the French Cup final against OG Nice, Ganiou played a blinder at the heart of Lens' defence showing maturity beyond his years.

Ganiou won the most duels (7) in the game, made 18 clearances, four recoveries and completed 92% of his passes in the game. It was a sensational performance, and it proved this is a player ready to make his next step at one of Europe's elite clubs.

Liverpool shouldn't hesitate. They need to bring the Frenchman to Anfield.