Liverpool’s interest in Roger Ibáñez is a case of the right player at the wrong time

Liverpool like the looks of AS Roma defender Roger Ibáñez, 22, according to reports. The Reds are ready to face Arsenal in a race to land the rising Brazilian star.

This comes from Calciomercato quoted by The Mail. They say that Liverpool have been closely linked in the past and that Arsenal have done an investigation to sign the youngster.

Paris Saint Germain, Leicester, Tottenham and Everton are also said to have stakes in Ibanez, which is valued at 35 million pounds.

Ibáñez, 22, is from Brazil and has been a regular in Serie A in 2020/21 for Roma. And originally from South America, he has many top-notch players to look up to in his career.

In fact, according to Roma’s official website, Ibanzez ‘idolizes’ current Chelsea star and Brazilian legend Thiago Silva.

Unfortunately, from Liverpool’s point of view, it could be the right player at the wrong time.

Will Liverpool move for Ibáñez?

Despite ongoing reports, it appears that Jurgen Klopp wishes to avoid diving into the market in January.

ECHO reported that the Reds will not sign anyone next month. That could still change, but only through injury or a sale.

The plan, then, is for the Liverpool manager to keep faith in the options he still has at his disposal.

That’s a great decision, given the injuries to Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip. He leaves Liverpool with only Fabinho as a makeshift defender, with Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips to accompany him.

The last two are very inexperienced. Williams was in the National League North last season, while Phillips was in Bundesliga 2.

Klopp proved against Newcastle that he is prepared to stay with the two youngsters heading into the New Year.

However, it seemed that Williams was his first choice. He started in a 2-1 win against the Spurs and came off the bench during a 1-1 draw with West Brom.

Klopp shows his hand

Many hoped that Klopp would go back to the 19-year-old at St James’ Park. Then Klopp threw a huge curveball against Newcastle.

He started Phillips for the first time in over a month. He showed he’s prepared to continually rotate between Williams and Phillips.

Liverpool want two options prepared and used to playing with Fabinho, which makes perfect sense.

Apparently, Klopp showed his hand during Liverpool’s last game of 2020. He wants to put his faith in internal solutions and his performance in the coming weeks will be interesting.

Matip will only be out for three weeks, after all. Klopp can effectively rotate between the two youngsters before Matip’s inevitable return next month.

Josh is a sportswriter from the South who has previously reported on the Reds both at home and off the press box. His idol is Joel Matip, while Madrid 19 to this day remains a blur to him.