Liverpools recruitment department continues to cast a wide net across Europe, and recent reports suggest Galatasarays Wilfried Singo is a player firmly on their radar. Speaking on Anfield Indexs Transfer Market Metrics podcast, Dave Davis and Dr Phil Barter broke down why the Ivorian defender has emerged as a potential target for Arne Slots backline.
Davis revealed that the club have been keeping close tabs on the player since his move from Monaco to Galatasaray earlier this year, saying: He only moved in the summer and Liverpool have definitely had scouts watching this player. That early interest fits Liverpools long-term recruitment approach, where analytical data and positional versatility often dictate who makes the shortlist.
One of the key traits that may appeal to Slot is Singos adaptability. Davis noted: He plays in a couple different positions and hes a very different option, if he plays right-back, to what you get from Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong. That flexibility could be vital, particularly as Slots tactical structure allows for defenders to shift shape in possession, echoing how he used Lutsharel Geertruida at Feyenoord.
Davis added weight to that theory by explaining, If you also look at how Slot used Geertruida at Feyenoord, both as a right-back and to make a back three, then it makes you wonder whether thats the plan. With Trent Alexander-Arnold often stepping into midfield and Bradley providing a more traditional right-back role, Singos athleticism and defensive profile could complement both styles.
Importantly, Liverpools scouting team appear keen to address perceived gaps in physical presence. As Davis outlined, Some of the concerns like a lack of height and a lack of physicality, Singo ticks a lot of those boxes. Standing tall and strong in aerial duels, Singos power contrasts with some of Liverpools smaller defensive options.
Dr Phil Barter provided a measured view on Singos numbers, reminding listeners that statistical context matters when assessing players from different leagues. His numbers are really good, but youve also got to remember that hes playing in the Turkish league, Barter cautioned. That said, his qualities remain clear in several defensive metrics.
Barter went on to highlight key aspects of Singos game, saying, Hes very good at being in the right place and if theres one thing about all of the defenders Liverpool are targeting is that theyre all pro-active. That proactive style is central to Liverpools defensive identity, built on anticipation, pressing intelligence, and recovery speed.
The analytical insight continued with praise for Singos reading of the game: Hes good in the air and he seems to have an ability to read the play and position himself to deal with the second ball or the cross. That positional discipline could fit seamlessly into Slots structure, where defenders must not only win duels but also cover the spaces left by attacking full-backs.
At 24, Singo fits the mid-tier recruitment profile Liverpool have often targeted under their current sporting model. Barter summed this up perfectly: At 24-year-old, he could be that mid-level defender weve been speaking about and I can see why were looking at a player like him.
His path from Torino to Monaco and now to Galatasaray reflects a player comfortable adapting to different systems and leagues. As Davis remarked, The info that we got is that he is used to moving around a lot because he was at Torino and Monaco before heading to Galatasaray. That experience may appeal to a coaching team that values mental resilience as much as technical ability.
There is, however, one logistical drawback. Singos international duties with Ivory Coast mean he will be unavailable during the African Cup of Nations. Davis noted, He does represent Ivory Coast, so he will be away for the African Cup of Nations over the winter. For a Liverpool side that often contends with fixture congestion, squad depth would need to be managed carefully during that period.
Liverpools data-driven recruitment remains a core part of their identity. Singos name entering the discussion suggests the club are again identifying undervalued markets and players who offer both athletic and tactical balance. Whether or not he becomes a concrete target, this profile aligns closely with what Slots system demands and what the clubs analysts prioritise.