Why Liverpool should sign proven star Stefan De Vrij

According to FC Inter News (h/t Mirror), Liverpool have been in talks with Mino Raiola who is the agent of Stefan De Vrij. The club are eyeing the Inter Milan defender to add to their depleted defensive contingent.

However, Liverpool will likely have to go above and beyond for the defender as he is said to be happy at his current club and a contract extension could be on the cards.

Profile

A youth product of Feyenoord’s academy, De Vrij started out for VV Spirit in 1997. The 28-year-old Dutch center-back spent time between 2002 and 2008 at Feyenoord’s academy before being promoted to the U-19 side. Within one season, he was bumped up to the senior side. Spending 5 years there, he went on to feature more than 150 times for Feyenoord.

Lazio signed him in 2014 as he became an integral part of their backline for the four seasons he was at the club. In 118 appearances for the Italian side, he scored 10 goals and assisted another 4.

Ahead of the 2018 season, De Vrij made the switch to Inter Milan on a free transfer after his contract expired. Since then, he has made close to 100 appearances for the Nerazzurri. He is also fairly experienced for the Netherlands, with 38 caps and 3 goals to date.

Liverpool should persuade De Vrij to join them

It’s almost as if Liverpool cannot catch a break. The Reds have been hit hard with injuries this season. The likes of Van Dijk and Joe Gomez have been ruled out for the season while backups Fabinho and Matip have also been injured intermittently. Youngsters Rhys Willams and Nathaniel Phillips have had to chip in during dire situations.

With a huge second half of the season to go through, Liverpool really need to dip into the January transfer market for at least one central defender. Not just any player, they will need an experienced head at the back in the absence of Van Dijk.

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Van Dijk’s compatriot Stefan De Vrij represents a good option for the club to look at. He has been one of the most solid defenders in Serie A over the last few years and has formed a very good partnership with Milan Skriniar at Inter.

While De Vrij may not be one of those elite names with respect to central defenders, he is a solid, well-rounded defender. Liverpool might have a hard time getting him to come to Anfield but he is one of the most decent options for them in the market.