Ozan Kabak risks pricing himself out of a return to the Premier League with the Newcastle United and Leicester City target demanding a weekly wage of £80,000, according to The Sun (31 May, page 59).
Jurgen Klopp may insist the Turkey international did an “unbelievable” job during his short-lived loan spell at Liverpool.
But while Kabak had his moments, the fact Liverpool decided against triggering the £18 million option-to-buy clause in his contract – paying £35 million to land Ibrahima Konate instead – speaks volumes.
Perhaps the Reds weren’t all that convinced by the Schalke-owned stopper after all?
Whatever happens, the Ankara-born 21-year-old looks certain to leave the Veltins-Arena for good after Schalke were relegated from the Bundesliga in humiliating fashion.
Finding a club willing to meet his hefty price tag – and £80,000-a-week wage demands – may be easier said than done, however.
Kabak part of Liverpool horror show vs Leicester
In May, The Independent reported Leicester would be willing to overlook Kabak’s role in Liverpool’s calamitous 4-2 defeat to the Foxes late last season.
‘WORTH MORE’: President says reported Leeds and Liverpool target will cost £30m minimum
The former Stuttgart and Galatasaray youngster regularly starts alongside Caglar Soyuncu at international level and Brendan Rodgers may believe the Turkish duo could form a similarly impressive understanding in the Premier League too.
Foxes and Newcastle eyeing Kabak for back line
The Athletic reports Kabak may also be an option for a Newcastle side that needs someone to fill a Federico Fernandez-shaped void in Steve Bruce’s back line.
But, as long as he continues to demand a wage packet of more than £4 million a year, Kabak could find himself stuck in limbo.
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