Hamann Makes Case for Maguire as Liverpool Hunt Defensive Reinforcements

Liverpool's defensive recruitment could take an intriguing turn this summer, according to former Reds midfielder Didi Hamann, who reckons Harry Maguire deserves serious consideration once his Manchester United contract expires.

With Ibrahima Konate poised to depart on a free transfer and the January window having closed without landing Marc Guehi—who instead joined Manchester City—sporting director Richard Hughes faces a mounting backline crisis. The club could be hunting as many as three centre-back additions before the season concludes.

Hamann sees Maguire as a potential bargain solution, particularly given the defender's recent resurgence under Michael Carrick following his injury recovery. "You've got to give it to Harry Maguire because he got so much stick in the last few years and he always comes back," Hamann told CasinoBeats. "If he's available on a free then obviously have to think about it because I think what Liverpool need is more depth at the back."

When pressed on Maguire's contractual situation ahead of United's 3-2 victory over Arsenal, Carrick remained deliberately evasive, saying: "I think it's just coming into that time of the season really, with contracts and, obviously, January is January and the window, so I'm kind of working my way through that and coming towards the end of the season, in terms of contracts and decisions. That will obviously be taken and discussed in good time really, and at the right time."

Beyond the United captain, Hamann has identified two alternative targets worthy of Liverpool's attention. Tottenham's Micky van de Ven continues to impress, though Spurs have reportedly slapped a £100m valuation on the Dutch defender. When quizzed about potential suitors last week, Spurs manager Thomas Frank was protective of his asset: "He's definitely a player we should prioritise. Micky is a key player for this team and this club and hopefully for many years to come. He has what it takes to be an even better player and I've no doubt he can help us to get us to where we want to be in the future."

Hamann's other suggestion is Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck, a left-footed centre-back with just twelve months remaining on his current deal. "Schlotterbeck has really taken on a leading role at Dortmund in the last 18 months," Hamann explained. "He is probably our best centre-back in the national team. He'll certainly play at the World Cup for Germany. He'd be a player. He's got one year left on the contract. I'm sure that Liverpool inquired about him. He wouldn't be the worst choice."

Schlotterbeck is currently in discussions with Dortmund regarding a potential contract extension, adding another layer of complexity to any potential Liverpool approach.