Liverpool Eyeing Move to Sign 18-year-old Defender as Trent Alexander-Arnold Replacement – Report
Liverpool and Barcelona Set for Transfer Battle Over Feyenoord’s Rising Star Givairo Read
Feyenoord’s highly-rated right-back, Givairo Read, has emerged as one of the most sought-after young talents in Europe. The 18-year-old has attracted significant attention from Liverpool and Barcelona, with both clubs preparing to go head-to-head for his signature. According to a recent report from Sport, Read’s meteoric rise in Dutch football has not gone unnoticed by Europe’s elite.
Givairo Read: A Prodigy in the Making
Born in Amsterdam, Givairo Read made his professional debut in the Dutch third tier at just 15 years of age. Within a year, he had broken into the Eredivisie and earned a move to Feyenoord, where he continued to impress under the guidance of now-Liverpool manager Arne Slot. Slot, who led Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title in 2023, handed Read his senior European debut and has been instrumental in his development.
In the current season, Read has solidified his place as a first-team regular, recording six assists from right-back, making him the second most creative defender in the Eredivisie. This remarkable achievement has drawn comparisons with some of the best full-backs in Europe.
Barcelona, under their ongoing mission to rejuvenate the squad, have been closely monitoring Read’s progress. However, despite their interest, the Catalan giants already have Jules Koundé and Héctor Fort as right-back options. Liverpool, on the other hand, are facing a potential void in that position.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Uncertain Future
The uncertainty surrounding Liverpool’s right-back position is one of the main reasons for their interest in Read. Trent Alexander-Arnold, the club’s academy graduate and long-time stalwart, is reportedly on the verge of a free transfer to Real Madrid this summer, as his contract expires in June. Despite the club’s efforts to retain him, the England international seems set on a new challenge, leaving Liverpool potentially thin in the right-back department.
If Alexander-Arnold departs, Liverpool’s options would be limited to Conor Bradley, a promising talent but not yet proven at the highest level. While Liverpool had previously been linked with Read’s teammate Lutsharel Geertruida, his recent shift to centre-back has seemingly made Read the more viable option for Slot’s side.
Ronald Koeman’s Caution: Read Not Yet Ready
Despite Read’s impressive rise, not everyone is convinced of his readiness for the highest level of international football. Ronald Koeman, the Netherlands national team manager, controversially omitted the youngster from his latest squad. When questioned, Koeman remarked:
“The name of Givairo Read has not crossed my mind. We are currently looking at other players. He is a young talent, so he is not yet ready for the Dutch national team.”
This statement could be interpreted as a challenge to Read, suggesting that although his potential is evident, he still has areas to improve before breaking into the senior international setup.
Why Liverpool Must Secure Read
Regardless of Koeman’s reservations, Read’s statistics speak volumes. His creativity from right-back is precisely what Liverpool may lack if Alexander-Arnold moves on. Moreover, Arne Slot’s familiarity with the player could prove pivotal. Slot has previously shown his willingness to put faith in young talent, and Read’s rapid development under his tutelage at Feyenoord is a testament to that.
Signing Read would not only secure Liverpool’s future at right-back but also send a strong statement about their intent to remain competitive amidst the squad transition following Jurgen Klopp’s departure.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, the prospect of signing Givairo Read is an intriguing one. The potential departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold leaves a massive void, both defensively and creatively, in the team. Read’s ability to contribute assists from deep positions fits Liverpool’s philosophy of dynamic full-back play, reminiscent of Alexander-Arnold’s influence.
What makes Read especially appealing is his existing relationship with Arne Slot. Slot has already demonstrated his faith in the youngster by giving him his European debut, and Liverpool fans would trust the manager’s judgement in bringing him to Anfield. Additionally, the chance to see a teenager with such raw potential grow under Slot’s guidance is something that excites the fanbase.
Some may be cautious given Ronald Koeman’s comments about Read not being ready for the Dutch national team. However, international football is often about timing and maturity, and club football requires a different mindset. Read has already proven himself capable at the club level, and that should be the priority for Liverpool.
While Barcelona’s interest is undoubtedly serious, Liverpool have a unique advantage with Slot at the helm. If the club can secure Read’s signature, it would not only address a crucial positional need but also bolster the long-term future of the squad. Fans will be hoping that the pull of reuniting with his former manager outweighs the allure of playing for the La Liga giants.
-
Report: Liverpool pursuing move for £34 million defender to replace Alexander-Arnold
Liverpool are preparing for life without Trent Alexander-Arnold who is set to become a free agent at the end of the season.The boyhood Liverpool fan has been linked with a move to Real Madrid where ...Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Real Madrid eye €60 million La Liga talent as Trent Alexander-Arnold alternative – report
Real Madrid have made it an absolute priority to sign Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold in the summer transfer window.The England international’s contract with the Reds expires at the end ...Yahoo Sports - 6d -
Report: Liverpool Identify New Right-Back Target Amid Transfer Uncertainty
Liverpool Eye Ola Aina as Potential Successor to Trent Alexander-ArnoldLiverpool’s summer transfer plans may take a dramatic turn as uncertainty looms over the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold. ...Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14 -
Report: Barcelona tried to hijack Real Madrid’s move for Liverpool star but failed
Barcelona made a bold attempt to disrupt Real Madrid’s transfer plans by trying to lure Trent Alexander-Arnold, but their efforts ultimately came to nothing. According to reports from Fichajes, the...Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Exclusive: Liverpool rival Aston Villa & Juventus for exciting €30m transfer
Liverpool are one of a number of clubs eyeing up a potential transfer move for Genoa’s talented young midfielder Morten Frendrup, CaughtOffside understands.The 23-year-old has earned rave reviews ...Yahoo Sports - 6d -
Arne Slot discussions with Trent Alexander-Arnold over future come to an end
Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has somehow managed to reach late March without giving a clear statement on his future, as his contract expires. It appears there will be few more questions ...Yahoo Sports - 2h -
Exclusive: Liverpool star’s transfer negotiations 99% done as new Reds deal rejected
Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has rejected a new contract from the club and has all but finalised an agreement with Real Madrid.Sources close to the situation have informed ...Yahoo Sports - 11h -
Exclusive: Liverpool target prefers Premier League move despite Real Madrid interest
Liverpool could enter the summer transfer window to look for a new right-back due to the uncertain future of Trent Alexander-Arnold.The England international defender is set to become a free agent ...Yahoo Sports - 4d -
Alexander-Arnold to miss Carabao Cup final
Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to miss this weekend's Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United through injury.ESPN - 6d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Golden Knights' Pavel Dorofeyev Records A Hat Trick As He Hits The 30-Goal Mark
The Vegas Golden Knights ran the Boston Bruins out of T-Mobile Arena last night, and it was headlined by Russian forward Pavel Dorofeyev.Yahoo Sports - 42m -
Kirby Smart uses the same word 4 times to criticize Georgia football
Georgia football head coach Kirby Smart criticized UGA's young players using one word on four different occasions during his press conference.Yahoo Sports - 42m -
The Arizona Cardinals' 2 most tradeable players on the roster
The Cardinals have not been rumored to be in any trade discussions, but they have two players who could be traded.Yahoo Sports - 44m -
Golden State Warriors provide positive update on Stephen Curry's injury status
The Golden State Warriors have provided a positive update on Stephen Curry after he suffered a pelvic injury on March 20Yahoo Sports - 47m -
Browns hosting third different quarterback for top 30 visit
The Browns are bringing in Louisville Football quarterback Tyler Shough in for a 2025 NFL Draft top 30 visitYahoo Sports - 47m
More in Sports
-
Højlund: Wasn't mocking 'idol' Ronaldo with 'Siu'
Rasmus Højlund said he was not trying to mock Cristiano Ronaldo after hitting the Portuguese star's famed 'Siu' celebration after scoring the winner for Denmark against Portugal in Copenhagen on ...ESPN - 39m -
'You're my idol': Henry joins Panama celebrations
Panama's Cecilio Waterman celebrated one of the biggest goals in his country's history, to defeat the USMNT, with his idol Thierry Henry.ESPN - 39m -
Kane: 'Aura' improved after Spurs to Bayern move
Harry Kane sees a real chance of winning the next men's Ballon d'Or, saying his "aura" as a player has improved since joining Bayern Munich.ESPN - 39m -
Kirby Smart uses the same word 4 times to criticize Georgia football
Georgia football head coach Kirby Smart criticized UGA's young players using one word on four different occasions during his press conference.Yahoo Sports - 42m -
Golden Knights' Pavel Dorofeyev Records A Hat Trick As He Hits The 30-Goal Mark
The Vegas Golden Knights ran the Boston Bruins out of T-Mobile Arena last night, and it was headlined by Russian forward Pavel Dorofeyev.Yahoo Sports - 42m