The cunning free transfer that would make Liverpool stronger this summer

Liverpool have an important run-in ahead of them after a mixed second season under Arne Slot which saw their title defence all-but over before Christmas.

The Reds are battling to reach the top four and also retain aspirations of going far in the Champions League and the FA Cup. The opportunity for a successful season is still there but fail to win silverware or reach the top four and Slot’s position could be at risk this summer.

The Anfield club have already been linked with a whole host of transfer targets ahead of the summer window, with central defence and a winger to replace Mohamed Salah in the long-term believed to be amongst the positions being most heavily targeted.

There looks set to be some top free agents on the market at the end of the season and the Reds should swoop for one star who could solve a key problem at the club.

Liverpool should launch free agent swoop for versatile La Liga defender

Liverpool’s injury woes in defence have been well documented this season and there has been a clear lack of back-up options when first-team stars such as Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong and Ibrahima Konate have been unavailable.

The Reds will see young centre-back Jeremy Jacquet arrive this summer and might also target another big-money defender – but an astute buy could be available for nothing in the shape of Celta Vigo’s Oscar Mingueza.

The 26-year-old primarily features as a right-back but can also fill in at centre-back, offering the kind of versatility which Liverpool are crying out for at present. A four-cap Spain international who made 66 appearances for former club Barcelona after coming through their famed La Masia academy, Mingueza has strong pedigree and is set to receive several transfer offers if he does not agree a new contract at Vigo. His current deal is set to expire in June and Aston Villa have been touted as amongst those leading the race, while Liverpool have been linked as per previous reports by Caught Offside and should launch a summer offensive to get their man.

Why Mingueza could be just the player Liverpool need

Mingueza would be less likely to demand a starting berth at Anfield than at Villa Park, but if the 26-year-old is keen to sign for one of the leading clubs in Europe and challenge for all the biggest trophies, he could arrive and play an important role in bringing further success to Liverpool.

The Reds have often been forced to play midfielders such as Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back this term and while the Hungarian has done a job when called upon, the position is far from his favoured one and opposition clubs have at times been able to use that unfamiliarity to their advantage.

Signing a specialist defender in multiple positions who can fill a Joe Gomez-type role within the squad while being less injury-prone than the Englishman should be a top priority for Liverpool this summer. Such a player being available on a free transfer is an added bonus – and the Reds should look to get in front of the competition to persuade Mingueza that Anfield is his perfect next destination.