Liverpool are monitoring developments surrounding Feyenoord defender David Hancko ahead of a potential summer swoop.
The Reds are planning to make additions to their squad after signing just two players across the last couple of transfer windows. Despite competing in four competitions, they didn’t make a single signing in the recently concluded winter window.
Arne Slot has done a fabulous in his debut season at Anfield but he knows the squad requires fresh blood to develop further. The Dutch tactician has targeted the centre-back unit, with Virgil van Dijk into the final five months of his contract. Thus, Liverpool are reportedly planning on bolstering their defensive ranks in the summer with the acquisition of Feyenoord’s David Hancko.
Hancko, 27, has cemented himself as a pillar at Feyenoord where he has been plying his trade since 2022. The Slovakian international has played 123 times for Feyenoord, netting 14 goals and supplying a further 12 assists. Predominantly a centre-back, he is also capable of operating at left-back—as evidenced by his notable performances at the Euro 2024 in Germany.
The 27-year-old’s consistent performances in the Eredivisie have caught the attention of several European clubs. Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur looked at Hancko in January, although Feyenoord were not interested in selling their star defender after losing Santiago Gimenez to AC Milan.
Liverpool eye David Hancko as potential Van Dijk replacement
Virgil van Dijk has been a brilliant servant for Liverpool since arriving from Southampton seven years ago. He has arguably been one of Europe’s best defenders in the last five years, helping the Reds win a lot of trophies under former boss Jurgen Klopp. However, the Netherlands international is nearing the end of his contract.
Of course, Liverpool’s priority will be to keep hold of Van Dijk after another incredible season. The 33-year-old has yet to sign a new deal, though, there has been no word as to whether he’ll depart at the end of the 24/25 campaign. Whether the Dutchman stays in the red half of Merseyside or not beyond the ongoing season, it would appear that the club are planning for his potential replacement.
The Reds have been exploring a potential move for David Hancko, who appears ready to take the next big step in his career after proving himself in the Eredivisie. Arne Slot should be keen to reunite with the Slovak, having coached him at Feyenoord for a couple of seasons. The Dutch tactician knows the player inside out and will be trying to lure him to Anfield.
At 27, Hancko is at the peak of his powers and could be a strong replacement for Van Dijk. Liverpool are an exciting project, and if they make a concrete move, he’d be attracted towards working again under Slot.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
