Liverpool’s potential England defender set for pre-appearance axe
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Albert Einstein once said “insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Although the physicist was almost certainly not speaking with Liverpool in mind, their repeated failings with young centre-back imports definitely fits that bill.
Danny Wilson and Sebastian Coates both arrived at Anfield with lofty reputations after impressing during fleeting stints with Rangers and Nacional respectively, but only managed 14 Reds appearances between them.
So when Tiago Ilori followed that duo through the Melwood door with a similar standing in the game, Liverpool fans would have possibly allowed themselves to dream of a burgeoning defensive future for one last time.
Indeed Three Lions followers could have been sucked into that trance, as it was revealed the 22-year-old was born in Hampstead.
However, having never made a senior Liverpool appearance, the man currently on loan at Bordeaux looks likely to be moved on having never graced the Anfield turf.
Sunderland and Celtic are both keen on swooping for the Portuguese U21 international and Brendan Rodgers is reportedly happy to listen to any offers the duo table.
David Moyes is another who holds an interest in the defender, as he looks to bring an English tinge to his Real Sociedad side. Wherever Ilori ends up though, it is yet another disappointment to add to the list of failed Jamie Carragher successors.
Interestingly, the Black Cats already have experience in dealing with these Liverpool flops, as they currently temporarily own Coates for the season.
Should they splash out the reported £7m being touted for Ilori’s services they will certainly hope to get more than the six starts they’ve coaxed out of the Uruguayan this season.
With the 7/2 top-four chances operating almost exclusively with a back three these days, they may well have to dip into the market for another youthful centre-back if they are to avoid playing Emre Can back there next term.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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