Liverpool have been dealt a huge blow in their hopes of signing Argentina international centre-back Emmanuel Mammana, as the 21-year-old has joined Russian Premier League giants Zenit St Petersburg for £14.3million from Lyon on a 5-year contract.
The highly-rated defender arrived the Ligue 1 from River Plate last summer, but has now decided to move on in search of a starting berth and regular football.
Liverpool had intentions of landing Mammana who made the 40-man nominee list for last year’s Golden Boy Award, and were reported to have tabled a bid worth £14million last month.
Valencia and Inter Milan were also interested in the services of the La Albiceleste youngster.
The Reds will now have to continue their search party for a backup centre-back capable of providing quality defending when the club set out to challenge for silverware next season.
Mammana is known for his abilities on the ball, with his passing, tackling and ball interception skills all highlights of his game.
Indeed, these are some qualities Liverpool could do with at the heart of their defence.
The Anfield outfit have eyes on £60million-rated Virgil van Dijk, and would hope to eventually seal a deal for the Dutchman having being frustrated by Southampton’s tough stance.
Missing out on the former Celtic player would crush manager Jurgen Klopp’s defensive plans for next time, and refusing to pursue Mammana to the end could turn out to be a bad idea if that happens.
