According to reports, Liverpool is preparing a January offer for a talented new defender who is currently playing for Brentford in the Premier League.
In 2023, how much money has Liverpool spent?
FSG spent a total of £145 million on their four new midfield additions over the summer in the forms of Alexis Mac Allister (£35 million), Dominik Szoboszlai (£60 million), Wataru Endo (£16 million), and Ryan Gravenberch (£34 million). However, while they strengthened their central ranks, there is another area that needs to be addressed in the coming months.
The vice captain’s time on the sidelines with a hamstring injury has made it clear that cover and competition for places are needed, and it appears that Jurgen Klopp has already set his sights on a potential candidate. Trent Alexander-Arnold is the only natural right-back that Jurgen Klopp has available to him at Anfield.
Aaron Hickey of Brentford had become a target for Manchester City back in April, but a deal fell through over the summer. However, this will be good news for any other clubs hoping to sign him, one of which is on Merseyside.
The Scotland international’s contract with Thomas Frank’s team has three more years left, but based on his performances this season thus far, FSG executives appear to be considering making an approach for the 21-year-old at the start of 2024.
Are Aaron Hickey and Liverpool a match?
The Mirror reports that in addition to Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United are all “ready to make bids” for Hickey in the January transfer window.
Before even “opening discussions” about a deal with one of his four potential suitors, the Bees are anticipated to demand a price in the neighborhood of £50m for their prized asset.
What did Brentford spend to acquire Aaron Hickey?
It’s not surprising that Liverpool are interested in Hickey given that he joined Brentford from Serie A team Bologna for a reported £18 million and has proven himself during his 33 appearances at the Community Stadium.
According to WhoScored, the Glasgow-born player is currently averaging 2.2 tackles and 1.2 clearances per top-flight match in addition to registering a 90.9% pass success rate, demonstrating how composed and calm he is in possession while expertly performing his defensive duties.
With nine involvements (six goals and three assists) since the start of his career, Frank’s two-footed ace, who is versatile enough to play in five different positions across the field, loves to use his speed to burst down the flank and create chances for himself and his teammates in the final third.
Finally, the fact that Hickey, who the media has dubbed a “conundrum” to play against, has the same agent as Andrew Robertson and Alexander-Arnold, PLG, suggests that the board may have a slight advantage over their rivals if they pursue a deal in January.