Have Liverpool done the right thing by offloading Ragnar Klavan to Cagliari?

Liverpool are early season favourites after thumping West Ham United 4-0 at Anfield last weekend. Considering their form and the additions Jurgen Klopp has made over the summer, Liverpool now possesses the depth and quality to mount a considerable title challenge this season.

The Reds will be going into the game against Crystal Palace this week with confidence levels sky-high. Over the years, the Eagles have proven to be a tough team to get past, a sort of bogey team for the Reds. But in their current form, they should be able to wrap up the three points.

But as per Liverpool’s official website, Ragnar Klavan has moved to Cagliari on a permanent basis. He has joined the Italian side for £2m on a two-year contract. The Estonian had one year left on his contract, meaning the Merseysiders could have lost him for free next summer. To that end, it is a smart move but should Liverpool have waited a bit longer?

As things stand, the Reds are already without Dejan Lovren, with Joe Gomez deputising at centre-back. Cameroonian international Joel Matip is also suffering from fitness concerns, leaving the squad exceedingly thin at the back.

Klavan had become a sort of cult figure at the club. It’s hard to say he’s played a major role over the last two seasons, but whenever called upon, he has put in brilliant shifts on the field.

The Estonian made a total of 39 Premier League appearances for Liverpool since joining in 2013, scoring 1 goal in that time. That one goal was a crucial one against Burnley last season, coming in the dying minutes of the game. Klavan’s late header ensured all three points for the Reds that evening and played a vital role in their race for the top-four.

He’s barely fazed under pressure and rarely looks out of place. Sometimes the 32-year-old likes to get fancy, pulling off cheeky skills at the back before playing a short pass to a teammate. He’s also quite strong in the air, proving to be a defensive machine in keeping out corners and crosses. The Estonian is also calm and composed on the ball, rarely misplacing a pass.

Klavan is an able and committed defender who Klopp should have held onto at least until January. However, with Klavan out of the picture, the German gaffer must aim to bring in a quality centre-back once the window reopens in January.

Regardless, Klavan was a loyal servant at Anfield and will be respected for his performances at the club.