Darren Ambrose has backed Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool to spend ‘big, big money’ on rising RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, who is also a target for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
The 21-year-old is proving to be one of Europe’s upcoming defenders and some high-class coaches across the world are looking at his talents, including Manchester City’s Treble winning coach and Jurgen Klopp, who has won it all at Anfield.
Former Premier League midfielder Ambrose stated that if Liverpool, after a season of struggle, are to get back to the ‘very top’, then they need to put the money down for Josko Gvardiol, as he told talkSPORT.
There will be a lot of spotlight on Liverpool’s backline when the new season starts and whether the likes of Virgil van Dijk’s best form is now behind them and can the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold get back to their best.
A lot will also depend on the midfield and how they perform, with the arrival of Alexis Mac Allister starting off proceedings for the Merseyside club this summer.
But if Man City, who have just won the Treble, are looking at Gvardiol, then the Reds can’t afford to miss on the Croatian star’s signature, with Ambrose backing the club to sign him.
“Gvardiol, in terms of (looking into) that signing,” said Ambrose. “I know Manchester City are looking at him.
On Gvardiol possibly costing £80 million: “Liverpool need to spend that. If they want to get anywhere near the top again, then you need to spend a summer of a rebuild and that’s what Liverpool need.
“They have been an ageing side that have done extremely well, but they have been loyal and it has been his downfall, Jurgen Klopp. Loyal to the players that were ageing.
“Now he needs the rebuild. He needs the backing and he needs the money to compete with the very top, then you need to be spending big, big money.”
Gvardiol is the ‘real deal’
The last time Liverpool spent big on a defender, he went on to help them win the lot, including ending their 30-year wait to become Premier League champions.
But who is van Dijk’s long-term replacement? Many would point towards Ibrahima Konate, and whilst he has the talent, he is too injury-prone to be trusted, in that regard.
Plus, you can’t put all the pressure on the Frenchman’s shoulders, so the club should do all they can to sign the ‘real deal’ that is Gvardiol.
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