Retour
Liverpool are reportedly looking to continue their defensive rebuilding in 2027, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nnamdi Collins one of those on the Reds’ shortlist.
Andoni Iraola is likely to be in need of a versatile defender capable of playing at centre-back and full-back, and Collins has now been named as a target by the German press.
Liverpool are said to be facing competition from Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea for the 22-year-old, who could be available for £25m, but, as it happens, the Reds may hold a trump card in negotiations, with Collins already admitting that Liverpool are his favourite English team back in 2025.
Collins played against Liverpool with Eintracht in the Champions League last October, coming on for the final half hour as Arne Slot’s Reds ran riot to win 5-1.
Ahead of that game, the defender spoke to Kicker to comment on Virgil van Dijk and his links to the Reds, which had already begun to rumble. According to Collins, he has already been learning from Van Dijk from afar.
“I was rooting for Liverpool [to play against] in the draw. Van Dijk is, in my opinion, the best central defender in the world,” he said.
“I can learn everything from him: his heading ability and timing, his calmness and physical presence, his aura.”
Collins also touched on the possibility of moving to Liverpool one day, confirming that the Reds hold a special place in his heart.
“I’m incredibly happy in Frankfurt, but I also think the Premier League is great, especially Liverpool FC,” he said.
“You should always set high goals; that’s why we all started playing football. But honestly, that’s not playing a role in my thoughts at the moment. I feel very comfortable at Eintracht and am extremely excited about what lies ahead.”
Collins has largely been featuring at right-back for Eintracht this season, but clearly sees himself as a centre-back in the Van Dijk mould. With Liverpool needing to add both of those profiles to their squad, it will be interesting to see how links with Collins develop.