Liverpool hope to sign FC Schalke 04 defender Ozan Kabak despite the Bundesliga outfit stating that their €25million ace is ‘not for sale’, according to TransferMarkt.
Jurgen Klopp’s Premier League champions are looking to continue a weekend of spending by adding a new defender to the German’s plans, having recently brought Thiago Alcantara to England before signing Diogo Jota from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
A new centre-half is a key option the Anfield hierarchy are now eager to explore over the final weeks of the summer market, and have deemed Kabak to be one of two potential candidates alongside Sevilla’s Diego Carlos.
Schalke have long held a firm resistance to parting with Kabak and have frequently insisted the 20-year-old is ‘not for sale’. However, the Reds are believed to have laid out a masterplan that can end with the Turkey international moving to Merseyside, as it is well-known the Konigsblauen are in dire need of funds having been left in a financially challenging position following the coronavirus pandemic.
Kabak only being 20-years-old is also an exciting aspect for the Liverpool hierarchy, as it is felt the former Galatasaray prospect can shadow our current first-line of defence and learn from the likes of Virgil van Dijk before challenging Joe Gomez and Joel Matip for their role in Klopp’s plans.
Our interest in Kabak has also been confirmed by the International Sport Press Association’s Chris Williams, who adds that while Schalke are reluctant to sell, an offer worth around €25m (£22.9m) could force a rethink.
Schalke’s valuation of Kabak also stands out to Liverpool chiefs as Sevilla can point to Carlos’ €75m (£68.7m) release clause should anyone attempt to sign the 27-year-old.
TransferMarkt’s report and Williams’ subsequent follow-up are not the first to suggest Kabak has been under consideration at Anfield, as Liverpool were linked with a move for the two-time international back in July when it was thought Klopp saw the Schalke ace as a potential replacement for Dejan Lovren.
Manchester City, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund were also touted as potential suitors, as Kabak is highly-regarded in Germany after starting 21 of his 26 Bundesliga outings during the 2019/20 season, in which he helped to three clean sheets.
Kabak also averaged 52.3 touches, 32.5 accurate passes, 1.4 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, 3.6 clearances and won 5.6 duels per league game, per SofaScore, and registered 52 touches, 37 accurate passes, 2 tackles, 4 clearances and 7 duels won against Bayern Munich as Schalke began the 2020/21 Bundesliga season with an 8-0 defeat on Friday night.