Glen Johnson urges Liverpool to sign Djed Spence as right-back solution
Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson believes the club is “desperate for a right-back” and backs Tottenham’s Djed Spence as a potential solution, reports BritPanorama.
Johnson, who made 160 appearances for Liverpool, highlighted that various players, including Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Conor Bradley, and Jeremie Frimpong, were rotated in the right-back position last season, indicating a lack of stability in that role.
“Liverpool are desperate for a right-back,” Johnson stated. “But I think this position is a problem for a lot of clubs right now, and the market is poor for full-backs at the moment.”
He elaborated, “I’d say most Premier League teams will be thinking they could do with another right-back.” Addressing Spence’s capabilities, Johnson said, “Djed Spence had a great World Cup; there’s no doubting that. I’m not sure if he’s a title-contending right-back that would suit Liverpool perfectly, but he could be.”
Johnson suggested that if Spence is available, Liverpool should consider signing him on loan to mitigate risk, allowing him to demonstrate his value as a quality right-back. Spence’s impressive performances at the recent World Cup, where he played eight matches for England, further bolster his case for a move.
During the tournament, Spence made a crucial last-ditch tackle against Argentina to prevent a certain goal, showcasing his ability under pressure. Despite his strong showing, Tottenham is reportedly open to selling him, with Inter Milan allegedly making an offer of around £26 million.
As Spence nears a potential departure, with Inter seemingly keen following recent signings, Liverpool may need to act swiftly in addressing their right-back conundrum. The search for a resolve continues for a club that once boasted a robust defence but is now in a transitional phase.
In a league where quality full-backs are rapidly becoming a rarity, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool can secure a player capable of reclaiming that previously dominant position. A reminder, perhaps, of how rapidly fortunes can change in football, and how crucial the right acquisition can be to restoring balance in a squad.