Left-sided central defenders have seldom been in higher demand. And, as drivers of automatic cars will tell you, a combination of high demand and limited supply usually makes finding one easier said than done. Fortunately, Liverpool’s pursuit of a defensive southpaw might just have become that little bit more straightforward.
HITC Football understands that, after showing an interest in Micky van de Ven before the Dutchman’s £34 million move to Tottenham Hotspur, the Merseyside giants are looking to pick up where they left off in 2023.
Liverpool remain keen on Piero Hincapie; Xabi Alonso is not the only Bayer Leverkusen hero with admirers at Anfield. There is interest in Chelsea’s Levi Colwill and Sporting Lisbon’s Goncalo Inacio too.
But with another player HITC can confirm is on Liverpool’s radar opening up on his admiration for Jurgen Klopp’s side – he goes as far as to describe himself as ‘a fan’ of the Premier League challengers – David Hancko is not merely knocking on the door but throwing them wide open.
Liverpool target is a ‘fan’ of Jurgen Klopp’s side
“I probably watch the English Premier League the most, so that would be my dream,” Hancko tells Slovakian publication Aktuality Sport. “And the club? My role model has always been (Manchester United legend) David Beckham, but I was most drawn to Liverpool.
“It started with the 2005 Champions League final in Istanbul, which my parents let me watch until the end. I didn’t have to go to bed even though there was extra time! And then (Slovakian icon) Martin Skrtel came.
“Since then, I’ve been a Liverpool fan.”
Hancko, a cultured, ball-playing centre-forward but also one with the physicality to outmuscle even the toughest centre-forwards, helped Feyenoord win the Erevdivisie title under Arne Slot last season.
Reportedly valued at around £20 million as of 2023, Hancko’s agent confirmed back in January that Liverpool are indeed one of the clubs keeping tabs on his client, alongside perennial French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
If push comes to shove, however, PSG would stand little chance up against their rivals from across the Channel.
Liverpool have big advantage over PSG
“I was there (at Anfield) once for a match,” adds Hancko, only a few weeks after signing fresh terms at Feyenoord. “But there’s nothing yet, and with the fact that I signed a new contract… it won’t be easy (to leave).
“But of course I’m not hiding that, if something came and it made sense for us – like the transfer made sense from Sparta (Prague) to Feyenoord – why not.
“I think the right time will come in my career. But even if I don’t leave, I will play in the Champions League with Feyenoord.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
