Replacement Signed – Liverpool Target Nears Exit

The Dutch champions Ajax have officially signed center back Mike van der Hoorn from Utrecht. The higly rated defender is considered to be a possible replacement of Liverpool target Toby Alderweireld who is expected to depart this summer.
Few months back the Ajax star even claimed that Liverpool meets his criteria and more recently he talked about his desire to play in the premier league. Therefore, the arrival of van der Hoorn perhaps indicate that Reds target is nearing exit and his next destination can be a premier league club. Will that be Liverpool, we shall see.
The 20 year old Mike featured in 31 league games for the Dutch side Utrecht last season and scored 4 goals. He was one of the key players for the side and helped them finish 5th in the Eredivisie last season, only 6 points behind PSV and Feynoord who clinched the second and third spot respectively.
Ajax on the other hand won their 32nd title winning 76 points in total. The 24 year old Toby also scored 4 goals for the Dutch side last season and featured in 33 league games.
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool will approach the Ajax star as a potential long term replacement for Carragher. Kolo Toure is obviously one for the short term. Alderweireld surely knows this fact that the merseysiders are looking at options to replace Carra and he can be the perfect solution for the reds.
Adding to that, the Belgian international is looking for a team that suits his playing style and Liverpool are perhaps perfect in that case. Toby is renowned for his physical strength that Liverpool badly need in their defensive set up, and quality passing that suits Rodgers style. Moreover, he can move into the midfield with ease and play as a right back as well.
Reportedly, an amount of 8 million pounds may as well be enough for the merseysiders to lure the versatile Belgian. The reds must step up pursuit to sign Alderweireld, but CL football is a major obstacle as Ajax will be playing Champions League next season while Liverpool are entirely out of Europe.
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