Lots of Liverpool fans have been reacting on social media following reports the Anfield outfit have held talks with FC Schalke 04 over a move for Ozan Kabak.
According to the Daily Mail, the Reds have approached Schalke for more information on Kabak’s situation, as manager Jurgen Klopp is considering his options ahead of Dejan Lovren’s expected move to Zenit St. Petersburg.
Kabak is highly-rated in Germany for his combative nature in the centre of defence and has previously been monitored by a clutch of European sides, including Manchester City, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund.
Schalke are currently in a desperate state of affairs and face the prospect of selling some of their top young talents to ease the growing financial concerns at the Veltins Arena, opening the door to Kabak’s exit.
It is suggested Schalke value Kabak at around £40million but will be willing to negotiate and that Liverpool will look to bring the fee down in any further talks.
Klopp’s close relationship with Die Konigsblauen head coach David Wagner will see the Reds boss well briefed on Kabak’s talents and what Schalke will demand for his services, following a campaign in which the 20-year-old played 28 times across all competitions.
Kabak’s three goals in 26 Bundesliga appearances were enough for the one-time Turkey international to end the German league season as Schalke’s joint fourth-highest scorer, while helping out defensively to three clean sheets in the division’s tenth-best backline.
Liverpool fans reacting to their side’s rumoured interest in Kabak has led many supporters to urge Director of Football Michael Edwards to seal a deal promptly, as the young centre-half would be a ‘much better’ option for Klopp next term than someone of the ilk of Joe Gomez.
Looks like a talent
Would like to see him in the euros— Rizwan™(follow limit) (@R13_DC) July 26, 2020
Hopefully Liverpool sign this guy, he is much better than Gomez.
— Karim (@KikoCnavaro5) July 26, 2020
Get it done Edwards
— T72 (@T7261355310) July 26, 2020
Competition for Gomez . Matip is made of biscuits and will be 4th choice
— T72 (@T7261355310) July 26, 2020
Great hope we can sign him
— Khaled (@LdldKhaled) July 26, 2020
He so good at keeping ball and tackling , but for that tackling would be risk in premier league, yeah the referee..
— . (@abangnyakomachi) July 27, 2020
Just watched his videos on YT. What a player he is man
— Teeman🇿🇦💫 (@moleleki_tshepo) July 26, 2020
While many supporters would like to see Kabak line up at Anfield next season, there are some who see Schalke’s £40m valuation as reason enough to doubt a move occurring this year.
Honestly can’t see us spending 30+ million on a 4th choice CB
— Kirkby HQ (@KirkbyHQLFC) July 27, 2020
If we can negotiate the price to £20 mill great signing
— qwerty601 (@qwerty6012) July 26, 2020
• Liverpool can’t pay for him.
— FelipeCardoso99 (@FelipeCardoso99) July 27, 2020
No way were spending £40m on a 4th choice centre back
— Wares_Marty? (@marty_wares) July 26, 2020
Kabak could well prove to be money well spent in years to come, but some Liverpool fans also do not believe their club should be splashing out big on a potential fourth-choice option, despite the 20-year-old recording 37 tackles and interceptions in the Bundesliga this season, along with winning 69 ground duels (68.32%), 76 aerial duels (67.26%), making 94 clearances, no errors that led to shots and playing 844 accurate passes (81.47%) including 85 long balls, per Sofa Score.
don’t. just don’t.
— Ya boy (@likkeliam_) July 26, 2020
why tho we have gomez and matip WE NEED A ST
— Ben Adams (@benadams1110) July 26, 2020