Crystal Palace are weighing up a summer deal for £18 million-rated Schalke centre-back Ozan Kabak, as reported by The Sun (7 February, page 60).
Of course, there’s more than a few ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ at play here.
Kabak joined Liverpool on loan on transfer deadline day last week.
And, should the former Stuttgart stopper impress between now and the end of May, the Premier League champions will surely exercise their option to turn his short-term deal into a permanent transfer thanks to a handy £18 million option-to-buy clause.
However, if Kabak fails to live up to expectations for whatever reason at Anfield, there will be plenty of rival clubs keen to take him off Schalke’s hands.
Newcastle United were keen on the highly regarded 20-year-old and could renew their interest in the summer, with Federico Fernandez’s future uncertain (Daily Mail).
The Sun, meanwhile, reports Crystal Palace have been scouting Kabak for months and will be watching his Anfield adventure closely.
Apparently the Eagles have no qualms about paying the £18 million fee Schalke want for a one-time Galatasaray youngster – if Liverpool decide against handing him a long-term contract, that is.
It’s no secret Crystal Palace are embarking on a substantial rebuilding project, bringing in fresh-faced talent such as Ebere Eze, Nathan Ferguson and Jean-Philippe Mateta. Meanwhile, long-serving veterans Christian Benteke, Andros Townsend, Scott Dann and Patrick van Aanholt are set to depart.
Kabak, at just 20, would be another sign of Palace building for the future.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
