Liverpool reportedly considering USMNT’s Aaron Long as emergency defensive option

Reigning Premier League champions are keeping an eye on USMNT centerback Aaron Long as a possible emergency defensive signing, according to ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have been ravaged by injuries this season, to their back line in particular. The Reds have lost World XI centerback Virgil van Dijk, England international Joe Gomez and backup Joel Matip since the start of the season and are in dire need of reinforcements ahead of the winter transfer window closing.

Without the ability to dip into the market for an expensive solution, the New York Red Bulls veteran defender has caught their eye as a cheap and short-term stopgap.

With the start of the 2021 MLS season already pushed back to April and in doubt to even start then due to lingering labor negotiations, Long needs a chance to get on the field and stay fresh ahead of a busy international calendar in the summer.

On paper, Aaron Long playing for Liverpool seems far-fetched, but for all of these different reasons, this seemingly wacky rumor doesn’t sound so insane.

The transfer window closes in England on Monday. Will the USMNT have a player playing for Liverpool by then? Let’s see how it plays out.