The 21-year-old defender broke onto the scene in Ligue 1 last season and started every single league game from December onwards, despite having featured and been sent off in his only previous appearance.
The France youth international, who has also been capped by Burkina Faso, put pen to paper on a new deal in the summer that is set to run until 2030.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Liverpool are keen on Ganiou, who has been named among Europe’s best defensive talents.
The Reds will soon be looking to sign Virgil van Dijk’s replacement, with it still unclear if the legendary defender will extend his stay at Anfield past next summer.
Jeremy Jacquet arrived from France in the summer and has been incredibly impressive, with it also looking increasingly likely that Ronald Araujo’s stay at Liverpool will be made permanent.Ismaelo Ganiou has been likened to Raphael VaraneAmong Ganiou’s selling points is his ability to play right-back, where some believe his long-term future lies.
Given Liverpool’s issues in that position with Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley, a move for the young defender appears to carry plenty of logic.Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained:
“Liverpool wouldn’t be doing their due diligence if they weren’t keeping tabs on one of the best young talents in European football and making checks on his performances.”I don’t think there’s anything firm on that one. Lens are going to have to face a major battle to keep hold of him.
He’s been likened to a new Rafael Varane as well so if he has a career half as good as him, he’s going to be a good player.”Lens are under no immediate pressure to sell.
They’ve tied him down to a new contract until 2030 but I’m sure interest will continue to grow in the 21-year-old.
“We’re potentially looking more likely for a move next summer rather than January if he continues his prominence.”Liverpool manager Andoni IraolaEx-chief scout tells Rio Ngumoha what areas he must develop to become a ‘world-class winger’ for Liverpool
France continues to breed top defendersGaniou appears to be the latest in a seemingly endless string of extremely talented centre-backs emerging from France.Liverpool have already taken advantage with the signings of Jacquet and formerly Ibrahima Konate, who was among William Saliba, Wesley Fofana, Leny Yoro and countless others to move to the Premier League.It now appears that Europe has caught on to the exceptional breeding ground that Ligue 1 has become, with Ganiou certainly not the last.Liverpool will need to move quickly if they are to land the 21-year-old talent, who will continue to gain admirers.
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