Liverpool lurking and tipped to make late move to snatch bargain French defender

Mohamed Simakan

Liverpool are reported to be keeping abreast of developments and could yet make a late move to sign a talented Toulouse defender, according to a respected French journalist.

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp has faced numerous calls to add to his depleted back line with a new defender. Indeed, all three senior centre-half options are on the sidelines with injury.

But the calls have grown stronger due to the fact that Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are long-term absentees. As such, midfielders Fabinho and Jordan Henderson played as a pairing in Monday’s defeat at Southampton.

Klopp addressed the situation on Thurday and suggested his hands could be tied over any new recruits.

“I cannot say definitely we will not bring someone in, it’s just not likely because of the situation in the world,” the manager told reporters at his press conference.

“So we should not forget that the situation is a tough one for all people and for football clubs.

“There might be some clubs without any financial problems but with these owners. This club has always been and always will be responsible with the things we do.”

Now reports from France claim the Reds could be ready to make a late play for Toulouse centre-half Mohamed Simakan.

The 20-year-old has been the subject of sizeable interest this month. Both AC Milan and RB Leipzig are looking to sign the France U20 cap.

Reports in Italy state an initial €15m offer from Milan looks set to win the race for his signature.

However, Telefoot reporter Julian Maynard claims Liverpool are keeping tabs on the situation. He writes the player will soon have to make a choice on his future. He adds though that Liverpool are ‘keeping abreast of the situation’ and ‘should quickly make an offer’.


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Whether Liverpool do make their move remains to be seen. But a concrete offer from the Reds would give Simakan serious thinking to do.

It’s not the first time Simakan has been linked with a move to the Premier League. Chelsea, Everton and Wolves have all been touted as suitors in the past month.

Klopp admits finances are tight

While a possible £18m outlay for Simakan would not break the bank, any new signing must pass a strict check from sporting director Michael Edwards.

Jurgen Klopp Liverpool

Klopp also suggested earlier that, without the coronavirus pandemic, Liverpool would “definitely” have looked to address their concerns.

“If everything would be fine, we won the league, the Champions League and the club is in the best situation – and then you have three senior centre-halves all injured. Is that a situation where normally you would do something? Yes. Definitely,” he said.

“But we are not in that situation so I don’t know if something will happen.

“You maybe could do something but not a short-term solution because that’s not right. It doesn’t help. So we have to deal with the situation how we dealt with it so far.”

READ MORE: Klopp warns Liverpool will be in ‘different place’ ahead of Man Utd clash