Liverpool have expressed an interest in signing Feyenoord defender David Hancko, who is currently starring at the 2024 European Championships in Germany.
The 26-year-old helped Slovakia stun Belgium 1-0 in their 2024 Euros group-stage opener on Monday, with Ivan Schranz netting a first-half winner. It was a colossal display from Slovakia, especially the back four that featured David Hancko.
Hancko has headed to the Euros off the back of a strong campaign in the Eredivisie, as Feyenoord finished runners-up to champions PSV Eindhoven. He made 34 league appearances for Feyenoord last season, bagging five goals and two assists. The left-footed defender has played under current Liverpool boss Arne Slot and a reunion at Anfield could be on the cards.
Liverpool have reportedly established contact with Feyenoord over a possible swoop for Hancko, but they face competition from Atletico Madrid and Leicester City. While the Slovakia international is currently rated at around €35m, a strong Euros campaign in Germany would see the Dutch outfit demand more to sell him in this transfer window.
Liverpool may have the advantage in the pursuit of David Hancko
David Hancko has been a reliable performer for Feyenoord since arriving from Sparta Prague in 2022. He was impressive in Slovakia’s opening group-stage game against Belgium in the Euros. After spending two seasons in the Eredivisie, the 26-year-old could be tempted by the opportunity to play for Liverpool in the Premier League.
Joel Matip will leave Anfield upon the expiry of his contract at the end of June, and the Reds must adequately replace him. Hancko certainly has the qualities to replace Matip while competing with the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Jarell Quansah for a spot in Arne Slot’s starting XI.
The Slovakia international knows Slot well and may like the idea of following his former manager to one of the biggest clubs in European football. Moving from Eredivisie to the Premier League would be a huge step up for Hancko, where he will rub shoulders with the world’s best players and compete for major honours at Liverpool.
Having Slot at the helm gives Liverpool the advantage over Leicester City and Atletico Madrid in the race for Hancko, who is a centre-back by trade but can also operate at left-back. He could be a utility signing for the Reds who must improve in various areas of the pitch if they want to compete with the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal for the Premier League title next season.
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