Former Liverpool defender Jason McAteer has identified England international Ezri Konsa as an ideal transfer target for his old club. Konsa's stock has risen during the past month after helping England reach the World Cup semi-finals, and he scored in the 6-4 bronze play-off match against France at the weekend.
Liverpool's centre-back search
Liverpool are considering their centre-back options following the departure of Ibrahima Konate last month on a free transfer to Real Madrid. Konsa won the Europa League with Aston Villa last season and is reportedly being tracked by a number of clubs, including beaten Champions League finalists Arsenal.
McAteer believes the 28-year-old would represent good business in helping ease the burden on captain Virgil van Dijk and aid the development of youngsters Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni.
McAteer's assessment
“I see a more ready-made centre-back coming in who’s got international experience, who knows the Premier League, and that for me would be someone like Konsa,” McAteer said. “I don’t think he’s done himself any harm with his performances at the World Cup. I think he showed his versatility and maturity.
“Listen, his performances under (Unai) Emery for Aston Villa have been exciting. I think he’s been solid. I think he’s a solid 7.5 out of 10 every game. He’s good in the air, he’s quick, he reads the game, and obviously Liverpool have missed out on quite a few very good central defenders, with Marc Guehi being one. I don’t think they should make that mistake again with Konsa.”
Villa's transfer situation
Speaking to PariruiX, McAteer added: “Villa are very active in the market at the minute. They’ve lost (Morgan) Rogers and (Youri) Tielemans. And when I say active, I mean negatively. Unai Emery will be fighting to keep his sort of marquee players and Konsa is that marquee player, but money talks.
“If Liverpool are going to go and throw £80million at Konsa and bring him in then Villa, I’m sure for FFP, will take the opportunity for that kind of money.
“When Virgil van Dijk goes you don’t want someone who is in that young mould. You want someone who’s got that experience, who takes over from Virgil van Dijk and can nurture the younger player when he comes in, so Konsa would be a good buy for me.”
