Liverpool reignite interest in defender Kabak after Van Dijk loss
Following Virgil van Dijk’s season-ending injury in the Merseyside derby, Liverpool have been linked with a host of new centre back options.
They’ve been told to sign both Dayot Upamecano and Kalidou Koulibaly, two of the most widely respected defenders in world football currently.
They’re now rumoured to be hunting a target more closely as a result of their lack of depth in defence.
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According to Italian source Sport Media Set (via Sport Witness), Liverpool have rekindled their interest in Schalke and Turkey defender Ozan Kabak.
The Reds originally became interested in Kabak back in July, but could now target him once again.
Schalke apparently want at least £27 million for the 20-year-old, who is one of the most valuable assets in their squad.
Liverpool are believed to be interested in making the signing happen next year, but it’s unclear whether that means in January or in the summer.
The only other European club to have declared an interest in Kabak is AC Milan. The Italian side has been monitoring the defender for the past few months but failed to get a deal over the line this summer.
Kabak joined Schalke back in 2019 for a reported £13.5 million fee from Stuttgart. Since then he’s made 30 appearances for the club and has scored three goals from defence.
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The player’s current deal expires in June 2024 and he’s valued at £26 million by Transfermarkt.
It looks like Liverpool have a number of players to choose from when it comes to improving their defensive options.
In the mean time, they have Joel Matip, Joe Gomez and Rhys Williams, with midfielder Fabinho also able to drop in.
Fabinho was excellent in their recent Champions League match against Ajax, which they won thanks to an own goal.
Van Dijk will reportedly miss the rest of this season as he requires knee surgery.
Pickford has been widely criticised for his dangerously high tackle on the Dutchman during the game.
Pickford wasn’t reprimanded as the previous chance was ruled as offside.