FC Porto’s Alex Sandro could be starting on the left of the Anfield defence next term…
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In what will likely be regarded as exciting news to Liverpool fans, CaughtOffside understands that the club will target FC Porto’s Brazilian international Alex Sandro when the transfer window reopens this summer.
The Reds desperately need to strengthen the left-back area, with Frenchman Aly Cissokho not expected to stay beyond the expiration of his loan deal come the end of the season. Elsewhere, they have the perpetually injured Jose Enrique, who has only managed five starts this season, and Glen Johnson and Jon Flanagan who are more naturally suited to the right-back spot.
While Liverpool have been sublime going forward this year, (they’ve scored more league goals than any club in Europe) the defence has let them down. Brendan Rodgers’ side have conceded 35, 13 more than Chelsea above them.
Bringing in a top notch left-back will be summer a priority, and the 23-year-old has proven his class in the Portuguese top flight this term.
Interestingly, Liverpool scouts were first notified of Alex Sandro’s abilities while scouting his teammate his Fernando. The Reds needed a holding midfielder following Lucas’s injury, but left the scouting trip more impressed with his younger Brazilian counterpart.
The fullback has six caps for his country, and is slowly improving his defensive ability as well. Like most flying Brazilian fullbacks, Alex Sandro is very comfortable on the ball, and loves overlapping his left winger. Aerially though, he struggles, and is definitely more competent in his opponent’s half than his own.
Rodgers believes the Brazilian has the ability to eventually hone his defensive skills, much like Glen Johnson has on the other flank, and appreciates his ability to link up play with the midfielders.
Porto are renowned for selling their best players, so providing the Reds come in with a suitable offer (potentially around the £12m mark) they could get their man.
Alex Sandro would become the third Brazilian on Liverpool’s books, along with Coutinho and Lucas Leiva.
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