According to Der Westen, Crystal Palace are among those interested in signing Ozan Kabak from Schalke 04 this summer.
What’s the story?
Well, the Eagles are keen to sign the 21-year-old, but face competition from Leicester City and RB Leipzig.
Of course, Kabak’s name might be familiar to some readers, as he spent the second half of the 2020/21 campaign on loan at Liverpool.
The Reds had an option to buy the 12-cap Turkey international for £18 million once his loan spell had ended.
However, Liverpool opted to sign Ibrahima Konaté from RB Leipzig in a £36 million deal instead.
Despite that decision, Kabak was still an impressive performer for the Reds, making 13 appearances in all competition as Liverpool finished third.
Jürgen Klopp is a big fan
Despite his decision not to sign him, Jürgen Klopp seemed to be a big fan of the centre-back.
Speaking before the 1-1 draw against Leeds in April, the German described Kabak as a ‘big prospect’ and said he’d been left convinced by the defender.
Klopp said: “Ozan is a 21-year-old boy, came from Germany, big prospect. We were convinced but in the end you never know, and he really proved that point.”
Interestingly, Der Westen claim that Schalke 04 are now prepared to let him leave for significantly less money than they originally asked for.
If that is true, Steve Parish and Dougie Freedman should get to work.
Crystal Palace desperately need some younger centre-backs, and Kabak would be a fantastic addition at Selhurst Park.
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