PORTO ALEGRE, BRAZIL - JUNE 20: José Giménez of Uruguay celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Group C match between Uruguay and Japan during Copa America Brazil 2019 at Arena do Gremio stadium on June 20, 2019, in Porto Alegre, Brazil. (Photo by Lucas Uebel/Getty Images)
According to AS English, Liverpool are eyeing a move for Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez in the summer.
Gimenez, 25, came through the ranks of Danubio FC’s youth system in Uruguay and joined Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2013. After initially struggling for game time in his first two seasons, he has established himself in the heart of Atletico’s defence.
He was a regular member of the squad and was instrumental in the team’s Europa League title-winning campaign in the 2017/18 season. He was also a part of the Rojiblancos’ squad that won the La Liga in 2013/14 and also the UEFA Super Cup last season.
However, an injury hampered his progress this term and he wasn’t a part of the team until he made a cameo in Atletico’s victory over Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have been excellent so far in the league and are on course to lift the Premier League title for the first time in many years. But their defence, despite being the best in the league, struggled in the Champions League this season.
Virgil van Dijk has been an ever-present in the heart of the Reds defence. And Joe Gomez has done well alongside the Dutchman. However, they have limited options from the bench, with Joel Matip not able to get back into the starting XI due to fitness issues. Dejan Lovren has not performed up to the standards either.
The Croatian was at fault in the loss to Watford and has not been at his best since returning from injury. Therefore, with very limited options, Jurgen Klopp has to bring in reinforcements at the back. In that case, Atletico Madrid’s Jose Gimenez would be a good choice for the club. He was in good form at the back for the Rojiblancos until he was injured.
The 25-year-old is a centre-back by nature but can also operate as a right-back and is also capable of featuring as a defensive midfielder. He has already made 180 appearances and has experience at a higher level.
Gimenez is a talented defender and has the ability to keep performing well if he keeps himself away from injuries. He can be an able replacement for Lovren, given his performances for Atletico Madrid so far.
The Uruguayan also has experience at the international level and can be helpful for Klopp. His versatile nature of play can also be useful for the team as Fabinho has not been at his best in the defensive midfield position.
Liverpool should bring changes to their backline given their ordinary record in the Champions League this term. And Gimenez’s quality could provide them with depth in the squad.
Therefore, the Reds should make a move for the Uruguayan and lure him to Anfield as he is capable of representing them in the long run.
