Liverpool transfer news: Premier League leaders 'opt against' Joel Matip replacement

Throughout the summer, it was felt that the Merseyside giants would likely strengthen their defensive ranks on the back of Joel Matip's exit.

The former Cameroon international's time at the club came to an end after eight years, the centre-back making his last appearance back in December due to a knee injury.

Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez have been left as the options available to Arne Slot until the turn of the year.

However, with free agents still able to being assessed ahead of a move to Anfield, the acquisition of Solet remained a possibility.

Solet on his way to Italy

Solet had been available on a free agent since the early part of September having been released from his contract at Red Bull Salzburg.

That is despite 27 appearances being made in all competitions during 2023-24, the former France Under-21 international featuring on 105 occasions across four seasons.

A number of relative high-profile teams have since been credited with an interest in the 24-year-old, there being obvious value for money in signing him.

However, as reported by The Mirror among other outlets, Solet is instead linking up with Italian side Udinese.

Ten points have been accumulated from their opening six matches in this season's Serie A, although 10 goals have been conceded and two defeats have been posted.

With a back three being used by Kosta Runjaic, Solet will hope that he will receive regular opportunities throughout the remainder of 2024-25.

Would Solet been a worthwhile signing?

Solet has spent the majority of his senior career in Austria having initially come through the youth system at Laval and made two Ligue 1 outings for Lyon.

On that basis, moving to Liverpool would have been a notable step up, yet replacing one free agent with a younger alternative would have made financial sense for Liverpool.

The downside is that Solet would have theoretically been restricted to EFL Cup outings at least until the end of the year.