Liverpool are considering a move for SC Freiburg defender Kiliann Sildillia this summer, TBR Football can exclusively reveal.
Richard Hughes and his transfer team face the difficult task finding a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool in a few months time.
Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real Madrid and Liverpool are unlikely to find another right-back with his unique skill-set.
Of course, Conor Bradley can step up for Arne Slot, another very promising talent even if he presents a more traditional, overlapping skill-set.
That being said, Liverpool want to give Bradley a new contract imminently, a sign of their faith in the Northern Ireland international.
Liverpool interested in summer move for French full-back Kiliann Sildillia
But in terms of recruiting a new right-back, TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that French prospect Sildillia has emerged on Liverpool’s radar.
The 22-year-old has made 17 appearances for Freiburg this season and has also caught the eye of Manchester City.
READ MORE: Liverpool ready to begin talks over £50m signing as all parties expect agreement to be reached
Chelsea took an interest in Sildillia last year and that remains the case, a France U21 international who is causing Premier League sides to take notice.
In terms of Sildillia’s position, the 6ft 1in defender can play centrally but is predominantly seen as an athletic full-back.
And with Sildillia’s current contract expiring in 2026, a sale this summer is looking like the most likely scenario.
TBR sources can confirm that Liverpool and City have both been checking on Sildillia since the Olympics last year, but in recent weeks they have watched him on more than one occasion as he emerges as a possible target for this summer.
Sildillia is likely to leave Freiburg this summer
In addition to the Premier League heavyweights mentioned, Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion have also checked on Sildillia this year, further demonstrating why the full-back seems unlikely to remain at Freiburg long-term.
That being said, Sildillia’s manager Julian Schuster also recognised the full-backs burgeoning talent when speaking in February.
READ MORE: Mohamed Salah has just filed official £29m paperwork as Liverpool contract saga evolves
The 22-year-old wasn’t a nailed on starter at the beginning of the season for Freiburg, but has since been excellent at right-back since he was handed a chance.
Praising his defender, Schuster said: “Kiliann confirmed his performance from Bochum. He’s a great defender and very aggressive.
“There were two or three more header duels at the end, which he won, and which, of course, also helped defend.
“His performance is one of the foundations for keeping a clean sheet.”
