Liverpool signed two centre backs on deadline day in Ben Davies and Ozan Kabak – but another looks to be on the way.
With Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all out for the rest of the season, Liverpool snapped up Davies on the cheap before securing Kabak on loan with a view to a permanent move.
Davies has yet to play, whilst Liverpool now face a decision on Kabak, which could become tricky with another move in the pipeline.
The Athletic claim that Liverpool are finalising a deal for RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate, which could be worth €40million (£34million).
The 21-year-old is one of the top young defenders in Europe, and he could now help Liverpool for years to come if the deal does go through.
What now for Kabak though? If Konate signs, Liverpool surely won’t add Kabak permanently to Van Dijk, Gomez, Matip, Davies, Nathaniel Phillips, and Rhys Williams.
Now, The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports that Liverpool need to let Schalke know of their decision by mid-May, and he is getting mixed messages on his future.
Some are telling him that Kabak will return to Schalke, some are saying Liverpool want to negotiate a lower fee, and some think that won’t happen because another club will pay more money, leaving Kabak’s situation completely up in the air.
“Do Liverpool pay the option, which is £18million plus add-ons? I think they need to let Schalke know around mid-May – I don’t know the exact date,” said Ornstein. “Some people I speak to suggest that he will be sent back. Some people I speak to suggest that he will be sent back and Liverpool will try to negotiate a lower fee than the option. Some people say that won’t work, because another team will come in and pay a higher fee for Kabak, who has impressed to an extent at Liverpool,” he added.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
