Liverpool to 'proceed' with €60m centre-back transfer - Romano

Tom Weber

• Updated: 21 May 2024 15:55 BST
• 4 min read

Liverpool are serious about their pursuit of Willian Pacho, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Reds have been in the market for a young, left-footed centre-back since last summer. Having missed a massive opportunity by not snapping up Micky van de Ven, Liverpool are now looking to beat the competition to another up-and-coming defensive star.

Willian Pacho has enjoyed a solid first season in the Bundesliga after swapping Antwerp in Belgium for Frankfurt last year. Though Eintracht Frankfurt have had a mixed bag of a season, they could yet get into the Champions League if Borussia Dortmund upset Real Madrid at Wembley.

READ MORE: Latest Liverpool transfer news

The 22-year-old was a big reason behind the Eagles competing for a spot in Europe's premier competition in the bygone season and it has forced Frankfurt into rethinking their transfer stance. While they still would prefer to keep him for one more year, they are willing to listen to offers in the region of €60 million this summer.

Pacho does not have a release clause and is under contract until 2028, so Frankfurt are under no pressure to sell this summer if their valuation isn't met.

Liverpool like Pacho

Among the clubs linked with the centre-back have been Arsenal and, most prominently, Liverpool. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now provided a fresh update on the situation, reiterating that the Reds are very keen indeed on Pacho but also making sure to note that it is still too early for anything concrete to materialise.

“Liverpool will bring in a new centre-back," he told GIVEMESPORT. That is going to be a priority and Pacho is one of the players they will proceed with. I’m hearing it is something that is not advanced or close or anything yet, but for sure, it is one of the players they like. I’m sure they always like to keep things private, so for sure they will have some other candidates.”

READ MORE: Feyenoord set for Slot windfall with Liverpool move for 'favourite player'

Intriguingly, the Anfield club were also interested in Feyenoord's David Hancko in January but eventually decided against signing a defender then. The Rotterdam giants' coach, Arne Slot, will take charge of Liverpool on June 1, so links with the Slovak international are bound to reappear.