Premier League giants Liverpool had hoped to lure Croatian right-back Sime Vrsaljko to Anfield from La Liga giants Atletico Madrid.
Liverpool failed to lure Sime Vrsaljko to Anfield during the January transfer window, but that did not mean they had ended their interest in the Croatian full-back.
But it appears the versatile defender, who shot to fame when starring for Croatia at Euro 2016, is set for a long stay in the Spanish capital.
It is understood that Vrsaljko, who moved to Atleti from Sassuolo 18 months ago, has now signed a contract extension keeping him at the Wanda Metropolitano until 2022, as reported by the Sun. The 26-year-old has never been more important to Diego Simeone’s side and now appears to have nailed down a place on the right ahead of long-serving veteran Juanfran.
But Liverpool should not lose too much sleep about missing out on Vrsaljko. Yes, the defence remains their Achilles heel but, in truth, right-back is one of the strongest areas of Jurgen Klopp’s squad.
After all, Joe Gomez has made great strides this season and, while he still needs to iron the odd lapses of concentration out of his game, it cannot be forgotten that he was Man of the Match on his England debut against Brazil just a few months ago.
The even younger Trent Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, has everything it takes to evolve from local lad to academy graduate to first-team star.
And that is without mentioning Nathanial Clyne, the England international who is nearing a return to action after being named in Liverpool’s Champions League squad.
Missing out on Vrsaljko is a blow, but hardly a fatal one.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
