Liverpool and Man United Lock Horns in Fierce Battle for Shock Premier League Defensive Target
Liverpool and Manchester United are among several Premier League clubs reportedly competing to secure Brentford defender Nathan Collins during the upcoming transfer window.
The Ireland international may be just 24 years old, but he has already generated over £56 million ($75.8 million) in total transfer values during his active career. Collins moved from Stoke City to Burnley, then to Wolverhampton Wanderers before joining the west London club two seasons ago in what was then a record-breaking £23 million deal.
Following a challenging debut performance against Wolves early in his Brentford tenure, Collins has consistently improved his form. Previous Bees manager Thomas Frank attributed this progress to enhanced focus and concentration, while current boss Keith Andrews valued the tall defender enough to name him club captain this summer.
Other Premier League teams have also recognized his quality. Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are all reportedly interested in Collins according to the Daily Mail. Landing the Irish center-back could prove challenging given Brentford's summer departures, but interest in Collins is believed to be "intensifying."
Among the interested parties, Liverpool arguably has the greatest need for defensive reinforcement. While Giovanni Leoni's recent signing from Parma has provided Arne Slot with additional depth in a crucial area, the 18-year-old Italian has only accumulated six months of Serie A experience in his developing professional career. Collins, in contrast, reached his 71st Premier League match on Sunday and could serve as a viable option if negotiations for Crystal Palace's Marc Guéhi prove unsuccessful.
Manchester United have not yet secured any senior signings beyond their attacking line this summer, leaving Ruben Amorim with the same squad that posted the Premier League's 11th-worst defensive record last season. Tottenham allowed 11 additional league goals compared to United, though they have already acquired two promising defenders—Kōta Takai and Luka Vušković—this summer.
Brentford's Andrews understandably wants to retain his newly named captain. "He's always displayed natural leadership qualities," the manager praised after Collins received the armband in August, "he's accumulated significant experience for someone his age, and he's elevated his professionalism after spending time in this environment and learning from exceptional individuals.
"He's an excellent communicator with strong principles both on and off the field, and players naturally look up to him—he commands respect from everyone in the squad and staff, which is essential for leadership." That same respect has caught the attention of Brentford's Premier League competitors.