Report: Liverpool Have ‘Made Contact’ Over Move to Sign Defender in £12m Move | OneFootball

Liverpool Step Up Interest in Bundesliga Star as Right-Back Succession Plan Gains Traction

Liverpool’s preparations for life after Trent Alexander-Arnold appear to be in full swing, with SC Freiburg’s Kiliann Sildillia emerging as a serious target ahead of a pivotal summer window. As reported by TEAMtalk, the Reds have already initiated contact with the 22-year-old’s representatives, viewing him as a ready-made addition to Arne Slot’s evolving system.

With Alexander-Arnold widely expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer, his absence—currently compounded by injury—has already disrupted Liverpool’s rhythm. The Dutch head coach has trialled Curtis Jones at right-back in recent fixtures, but the experiment faltered during the 3-2 defeat to Fulham. The recent return of Conor Bradley offers some respite, but Liverpool’s pursuit of external reinforcements suggests long-term planning is well underway.

According to TEAMtalk, “Liverpool have made contact with Sildillia’s representatives over a potential move,” and internal sources believe “he is ready for the step up to the Premier League.”

Photo: IMAGO

Cut-Price Opportunity as Freiburg Lose Grip

What makes Sildillia’s situation especially appealing is the contractual context. Entering the final year of his deal at Freiburg, the Frenchman has yet to agree to an extension—despite the club’s best efforts. This opens the door for Liverpool to negotiate a cut-price deal, with reports suggesting he could be secured for as little as £12 million.

That figure, in today’s market, represents serious value—particularly for a player with versatility and defensive solidity. Sildillia has made 16 Bundesliga appearances this term and contributed to seven clean sheets, underlining his growing pedigree at the top level.

His ability to operate both as a right-back and right-winger gives him the sort of tactical flexibility that Arne Slot favours. For a Liverpool side in transition, players who can cover multiple roles without compromising quality are vital.

Competition Building Across Europe

However, Liverpool aren’t alone in their admiration. Marseille are expected to re-enter the race for Sildillia’s signature, with manager Roberto De Zerbi long understood to be a fan. TEAMtalk confirmed, “De Zerbi tried to bring him to Marseille last summer,” but Freiburg resisted at the time, hopeful of renewing the defender’s contract.

Now, with the club facing the possibility of losing him for nothing in 2026, the pressure is on to cash in. “The cut-price valuation will make him attractive to other suitors,” the report added, meaning Liverpool must move decisively to win this particular battle.

Wider Strategy in Full Swing

Sildillia’s name is just one among several as Liverpool prepare for a significant summer of change. Alongside the Freiburg star, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong is also being monitored, while other positions are under active review.

Photo: IMAGO

Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez remains a top target at left-back, and TEAMtalk reports that Liverpool “are in a strong position to get a deal done.” Further up the pitch, with Darwin Núñez’s future uncertain, potential striker additions like Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap and Wolves’ Matheus Cunha are under consideration.

With so many moving parts—departures, injuries, and contract situations—Arne Slot’s first summer transfer window promises to be a critical one. But if reports of a £12 million swoop for Sildillia prove true, it could represent both a bargain and a blueprint for the club’s evolving recruitment model.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

There’s a lot to unpack for Liverpool fans here. First off, the Sildillia link makes a lot of sense. He’s young, athletic, experienced in a top European league, and available at a cut-price due to contract dynamics. For £12 million, it’s a no-brainer—especially when you consider the inflated costs usually associated with Premier League talent.

What stands out is how much faith the club still seems to place in smart, opportunistic deals. This isn’t a headline-grabbing £50m move—but that’s not the point. Liverpool’s success in recent years has often been fuelled by smart scouting, and Sildillia fits the mould of an unpolished gem with major upside.

The bigger question is whether he’s seen as a direct replacement for Trent or more of a squad option behind someone like Conor Bradley. If Alexander-Arnold does leave for Real Madrid, it leaves both a creative and leadership void, not just a defensive one. Can a 22-year-old stepping up from Freiburg really fill that? Possibly not yet—but as part of a wider squad overhaul, he could be crucial.

And with Arne Slot keen on adaptable, system-oriented players, Sildillia might just be the right man at the right price.