Liverpool have decision to make, as €25m transfer target is put up for sale

Liverpool have received a boost in their pursuit of Schalke defender Ozan Kabak, according to reports in Germany.

Kabak has been one of the players to be most frequently linked with Liverpool since Virgil van Dijk suffered an ACL injury that may put him out for the rest of the season.

Liverpool only have Joe Gomez and Joel Matip as senior centre-back options after allowing Dejan Lovren to leave without signing a replacement in the summer. Academy products Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams have provided cover, as has midfielder Fabinho.

However, they could enter the transfer market in January to sign a reinforcement. Kabak’s name continues to crop up.


CLICK HERE FOR ALL YOUR OFFICIAL LIVERPOOL FC MERCHANDISE


Liverpool were first linked with the Schalke defender back in the summer. However, they opted against signing a replacement for Lovren.

The injury to Van Dijk has prompted questions about that strategy, which the addition of another defender could answer. And reports on Tuesday suggested Liverpool are “seriously thinking” about signing Kabak.

The defender’s price tag has plummeted to just €25m, a discount of €10m from his original value. Schalke are struggling on and off the field, so need to raise funds.

Kabak is one of their most prized assets, so he is likely to depart. Now, a report from Bild (via Sport Witness) says the German club have put him “in the shop window”.

No Kabak approach yet

Ozan Kabak

Kabak will be available for that €25m fee, which could tempt either Liverpool or another interested suitor, AC Milan. Neither have made an offer yet, but he is a priority for the Italians.

Previous reports have played down Liverpool’s interest in Kabak. However, there is still time for them to weigh up their options ahead of January.


Subscribe to TEAMtalk’s daily newsletter…


Schalke have also put midfielder Amine Harit on the market as they scramble to raise funds. Kabak, however, seems likely to generate more interest.

The 20-year-old has started 24 Bundesliga games since joining Schalke from Stuttgart in 2019. He also has four senior caps for Turkey.

READ MORE: Schalke confirm approach made for Liverpool target, as summer release clause emerges