Liverpool are leading the race to sign Lens centre-back Samson Baidoo next summer, the club said Sports tree.
The 21-year-old is a product of the renowned Red Bull scouting network, coming through the academy at FC Red Bull Salzburg before making 72 first-team appearances.
Last summer, the Austrian centre-back secured a move to RC Lens in search of regular playing time, and has since become one of the standout defenders in Ligue 1.
So far this season he has made 18 appearances in Ligue 1 and 20 times in all competitions for Pierre Sage’s side, contributing two goals and two assists.
According to Who scoredThe 1.80 meter tall defender leads Lens in the number of interceptions per game, with an average of 1.4, while he also has the highest success rate in the team at 93.4%. He also ranks second for aerial duels won per 90 minutes, with an average of 1.9.
According to Sports treeBaidoo’s performances since his move to the Stade Bollaert-Delelis have attracted the interest of several top European clubs.
Among the clubs looking to sign him are Liverpool, according to the report, which claims the defending Premier League champions are attracted by the physical and technical qualities he has shown at Lens.
Combative central defender
It appears Arne Slot’s side are looking to accelerate efforts to land Baidoo as the report adds that the Reds are ‘leading the race’ to sign the Austrian centre-back.
A possible move to the Premier League is very likely next summer, with Lens placing a £39-48 million valuation on the Austrian international, who is also of major interest to Manchester City.
Liverpool have started to outline their long-term defensive plans, recognizing that Virgil van Dijk, now 34, is getting closer to the stage of his career where remaining at the top level becomes increasingly difficult.
Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konaté – whose contract expires at the end of the season – has struggled to consistently reach his previous highs. Joe Gomez has also had an injury-riddled season and has only played one full 90 minutes in the Premier League this term, leaving head coach Slot without reliable depth at centre-back.
As a result, a summer move for a reliable defender like Baidoo could be crucial in strengthening the backline in a bid to challenge for major honors next season.
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