Liverpool’s Defensive Scouting: Wilfried Singo Under the Microscope
Liverpool’s recruitment department continues to cast a wide net across Europe, and recent reports suggest Galatasaray’s Wilfried Singo is a player firmly on their radar. Speaking on Anfield Index’s Transfer Market Metrics podcast, Dave Davis and Dr Phil Barter broke down why the Ivorian defender has emerged as a potential target for Arne Slot’s 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 Liverpool’s long-term recruitment approach, where analytical data and positional versatility often dictate who makes the shortlist.
Versatility and Physical Profile
One of the key traits that may appeal to Slot is Singo’s adaptability. Davis noted: “He plays in a couple different positions and he’s 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 Slot’s 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 that’s the plan.” With Trent Alexander-Arnold often stepping into midfield and Bradley providing a more traditional right-back role, Singo’s athleticism and defensive profile could complement both styles.
Importantly, Liverpool’s 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, Singo’s power contrasts with some of Liverpool’s smaller defensive options.
Data and Tactical Intelligence
Dr Phil Barter provided a measured view on Singo’s numbers, reminding listeners that statistical context matters when assessing players from different leagues. “His numbers are really good, but you’ve also got to remember that he’s 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 Singo’s game, saying, “He’s very good at being in the right place and if there’s one thing about all of the defenders Liverpool are targeting is that they’re all pro-active.” That proactive style is central to Liverpool’s defensive identity, built on anticipation, pressing intelligence, and recovery speed.
The analytical insight continued with praise for Singo’s reading of the game: “He’s 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 Slot’s structure, where defenders must not only win duels but also cover the spaces left by attacking full-backs.
Age, Experience and Potential
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 we’ve been speaking about and I can see why we’re 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. Singo’s 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.
Smart Scouting and Strategic Thinking
Liverpool’s data-driven recruitment remains a core part of their identity. Singo’s 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 Slot’s system demands and what the club’s analysts prioritise.
