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Manchester United’s pursuit of Michael Kayode is under threat as Liverpool “plot a move” for the 21-year-old defender, according to a new report.
Liverpool ready for an invasion
The Merseyside club have had a miserable campaign despite spending almost £450 million last summer after failing to sufficiently strengthen their backline.
An injury crisis at right-back – Jeremy Frimpong and Conor Bradley have both been ruled out – has prompted Arne Slot to move Dominik Szoboszlai into defence, with the Hungary captain sent off against Manchester City in Sunday’s last-minute defeat at Anfield.
Bradley has suffered a serious knee injury and is not expected to play again this season. Conversely, while Frimpong will return to full fitness this month, the Dutch international has struggled in his breakthrough season at right-back, with Bayer Leverkusen playing a more advanced role.
As a result, Slot has asked the “recruitment team to look for more dynamic options on the right side of the defense,” according to Sports tree.
This has led to Liverpool targeting Kayode, with the Brentford full-back having “impressed” the Dutch manager this season.
“The 21-year-old has been a revelation during Keith Andrews’ first campaign in the GTech Community Stadium dugout. His long throws, vibrant runs down the flank and incredible work rate have caught the eye of Reds boss Arne Slot, our sources have told us.”
However, Kayode’s standout performances in west London have also put him on the radar of the two Manchester clubs, with both the red and blue halves of the city considering a move this summer.
Newcastle are also said to be keeping a close eye on the Italy U21 international, who joined Brentford on loan from Fiorentina in January last year before the Bees made the move permanent six months later for £17.5million.
United on the hunt
One of Kayode’s best qualities is his versatility. A right-back by trade, he can also play as a left-back, or even as a centre-back in the back three, having made 30 appearances in all competitions this season.
Michael Kayode Stats: 2025/26 Season
| Competition | Performances | Begins | Goals | Assists | Yellow cards | Red cards | Minutes played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 25 | 25 | – | – | 6 | – | 2,184′ |
| EFL Cup | 4 | 1 | – | – | 1 | – | 137′ |
| FA Cup | 1 | 0 | – | – | – | – | 1′ |
| Total | 30 | 26 | – | – | 7 | – | 2,322′ |
United are expected to consider defensive reinforcements this summer with Harry Maguire’s future uncertain and Diogo Dalot linked with a move abroad.
Furthermore, Patrick Dorgu has been reinvented as a left winger under interim coach Michael Carrick, leaving Luke Shaw as the only other option at left back if the Dane remains in his new position.
As such, a young, versatile defender with a Premier League background would be a smart addition to strengthen the squad in a number of positions.
Another interesting part of Kayode’s game has been his excellent long throws described as a ‘destructive weapon’. The Premier League has moved heavily towards the use of set pieces this season, further boosting the prospect of recruiting a player with a cannon arm in his arsenal.
Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images
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