Liverpool battle FC Barcelona for Arne Slot's favorite full-back

Feyenoord's talented young right-back, Givairo Read, has attracted transfer interest from Barcelona and a Liverpool side managed by his former manager Arne Slot, according to a report in Spain.

Read is a prodigy in the making. The Amsterdam-born defender debuted in the Dutch third tier at the age of 15. Read burst into the top flight within a year and earned a move to Slot's Feyenoord in the summer after winning the Dutch title in 2023.

Liverpool 's current manager gave Read his first-team debut in European competition, and he has established himself as a starter this season. At just 18 years old, the right-back, with six assists in the top flight, makes him the second most creative defender in this year's Eredivisie.

This prodigious rise has attracted numerous admirers, including both Liverpool and FC Barcelona , ​​​​according to Sport . The Spanish outlet's report claims that Read is aware of interest from the La Liga leaders, who are reportedly keeping a close eye on the right-hander.

Barcelona already has Jules Koundé as a solid right-back, along with youth player Héctor Fort. Liverpool, in comparison, could be left with only Conor Bradley next season.

Trent Alexander-Arnold looks increasingly likely to join Real Madrid with the freedom to sign when his contract expires in June, despite Liverpool's attempts to convince their youth player to stay on Merseyside. The Reds have previously been linked with Read's Feyenoord teammate Lutsharel Geertruida, who has been forced into the centre-back role following the youngster's remarkable rise.

Not everyone is so enamored with Read.

Ronald Koeman deliberately left the 18-year-old out of the Netherlands squad for the March international break. When asked about his absence, the former Barcelona manager bluntly explained: "Givairo Read's name hasn't even crossed my mind. We're currently considering other players. He's a young talent, so he's not ready for the Dutch national team yet."