Report: Liverpool Eyeing ‘Bargain’ Move to Sign £42m-Rated La Liga Defender | OneFootball

Liverpool Eye Loic Bade for a Summer Bargain: An Ideal Successor for Virgil van Dijk?

As Liverpool look ahead to the summer transfer window, their ambitions to reinforce the defence have grown clearer. With an aging Virgil van Dijk and uncertainty surrounding Joe Gomez’s future, it seems Liverpool are preparing for life beyond their current defensive lineup. According to a report by Caught Offside, Liverpool are monitoring Sevilla’s Loic Bade and Sporting Lisbon’s Goncalo Inacio as potential targets for the summer of 2025. Both players offer unique skills and promise, but it’s the 24-year-old Bade, with his reasonable £42 million release clause, who has captured the Reds’ attention.

Liverpool’s Defensive Needs in 2025

During the international break, rumours about Liverpool’s 2025 transfer targets have been ramping up. With fewer games to cover, speculation has shifted to potential squad additions for the upcoming transfer windows. While forward options, such as Omar Marmoush, have been discussed, Liverpool may find their priorities lie with bolstering the backline. With van Dijk nearing 34 years old and Gomez potentially on the way out, Liverpool could benefit from a fresh, young centre-back.

Photo: IMAGO

Caught Offside notes that Marc Guehi was initially considered but dismissed due to his high price tag. Meanwhile, Gleison Bremer has also been ruled out, having suffered a serious ACL injury. This has left Liverpool with two frontrunners: Loic Bade and Goncalo Inacio. However, with Inacio deemed the more expensive option, Bade has emerged as the favoured choice.

Loic Bade: A Rising Star with European Pedigree

For Premier League fans who might remember Bade’s unsuccessful loan at Nottingham Forest in 2022, it’s worth looking beyond this blip in his career. Bade’s journey has been far from straightforward. He began his career at Le Havre, later moving to Lens, where he established himself as a promising young defender. His move to Rennes in 2021 was meant to be a stepping stone, but it ultimately didn’t pan out as hoped.

Bade’s 2022 loan spell at Nottingham Forest saw him leave without making a single appearance, which raised doubts about his potential. However, he found a fresh start with Sevilla, initially on loan and later on a permanent basis, where he quickly began to rebuild his reputation. By September 2023, his resurgence had earned him a first call-up to the senior French squad, reflecting his upward trajectory and growth as a player.

Photo: IMAGO

At 24, Bade’s future is bright. Described by Caught Offside as a “young, talented centre-back with a burgeoning reputation,” Bade has managed to turn his career around in La Liga. His experience alongside seasoned defenders and at the international level with France has likely equipped him with the resilience and skills needed to thrive at a high-level club like Liverpool.

Financial Factors in the Bade Pursuit

One of the primary attractions to Bade for Liverpool is his affordability. Reports from Caught Offside suggest that Bade has a £42 million release clause at Sevilla, and there is a growing confidence that Liverpool could negotiate for an even lower fee. In today’s inflated market, this price tag would represent a bargain for a player of his calibre. Bade’s age, combined with his experience in both Ligue 1 and La Liga, makes him an ideal candidate to reinforce Liverpool’s defence while fitting within a sensible financial framework.

A move to Anfield could be mutually beneficial for both player and club. Bade’s physicality, combined with his skill set and adaptability, aligns well with Liverpool’s defensive style. The Reds have a reputation for nurturing talent, and under the guidance of manager Arne Slot, Bade could be the next player to flourish within Liverpool’s ranks.

Looking Ahead: Bade’s Potential at Anfield

As Liverpool prepare for what appears to be a transitional phase in their defensive lineup, Loic Bade’s name is one that supporters should keep an eye on. His path to success has not been straightforward, but he has demonstrated resilience and adaptability — qualities that would serve him well in the Premier League.

Beyond his talents, Bade’s affordable price and burgeoning reputation make him an ideal target for Liverpool. Should the Reds secure his signature, they’ll have an opportunity to mould him into a mainstay of their defensive unit. Bade’s blend of experience, youthful energy, and impressive skillset could help him settle quickly at Anfield, becoming an integral part of Liverpool’s next-generation defence.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From the perspective of an intrigued Liverpool fan, the possible addition of Loic Bade is a compelling proposition. Liverpool have long relied on Virgil van Dijk’s leadership and defensive solidity, and with the Dutchman nearing the twilight of his career, it’s time for a successor to emerge. Bade could be a shrewd investment for Liverpool, particularly if they can negotiate a deal below his £42 million release clause.

Bade’s tenacity and physical presence in defence would complement Liverpool’s style, while his age means he could provide long-term service to the club. If Liverpool are looking to build a young, dynamic backline, Bade fits the bill. Fans will be eager to see how Arne Slot plans to integrate new talent into the squad, and Bade’s experience in both Ligue 1 and La Liga will surely appeal to those who crave an established presence rather than an unproven prospect.

While there may be concerns about his brief stint at Nottingham Forest, his resurgence in Spain with Sevilla speaks volumes about his determination to succeed. If Bade’s upward trajectory continues, Liverpool could be in for a steal — a solid addition who has the potential to flourish at Anfield and cement himself as a pivotal part of Liverpool’s future.