Liverpool have been left needing to plug some gaps in their starting XI after a fairly disastrous summer transfer window.
The Reds had an unexpected overhaul after winning the Premier League, but have not found appropriate solutions in a number of areas.
Having failed to get a move for Marc Guehi tied up on transfer deadline day, Liverpool are badly in need of another centre-back in 2026.
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Ahead of this weekend’s trip to face Tottenham Hotspur, Micky van de Ven has been tipped for success at Liverpool. The 24-year-old seems an unlikely target, but it is worth Reds fans keeping an eye on him nonetheless.
But Van de Ven is not the only Spurs player who Liverpool may look at for an instant upgrade on their starting XI. As they struggle to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, Pedro Porro could come into contention at Anfield.
Pedro Porro should be a Liverpool target
Several players tested Alexander-Arnold’s crown as the best right-back in the Premier League during his peak years with Liverpool.
Porro was one of those who matches up most convincingly against the former Reds defender.
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As with Alexander-Arnold, there are some question marks over the Spaniard’s defensive diligence, but he is arguably a better defender than the Liverpool academy graduate while still providing cut and thrust going forward.
Quick, tenacious and the possessor of a wicked right foot, Porro has hit an impressive 30 goal contributions during almost three years with Spurs.
Having turned 26 in September, Porro is at a good age to take the next step in his career, and while Tottenham has never been a club Liverpool have shopped a great deal at, a move to Anfield would clearly be an upward move.
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The Spain international will have two years left on his deal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium come the end of the season, and it may be a good time for Liverpool to test the waters.
Is Porro really attainable for Liverpool?
Despite Tottenham’s struggles in recent months, Porro has consistently remained one of their better performers.
In the picture with Spain ahead of the World Cup, the former Sporting full-back is approaching a pivotal summer in this career.
From a basic point of view, it feels as though Porro certainly could leave Tottenham at the end of the campaign. In that sense, he may be available.
For Liverpool, much will ride on whether Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong can improve as Arne Slot’s right-back options.
If neither can do that – or it becomes clear that Frimpong is simply an attacking option – the Reds will need a new right-back. In that scenario, Porro should absolutely come into the thinking. Like Van de Ven, Liverpool fans should keep a close eye on him this Saturday as they assess a potential future signing.