Liverpool are in the market for a defender this summer, as Jurgen Klopp continues to rebuild.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has the resources necessary to cause tremendous upset among the Manchester City ranks this summer, with a world-record £85m transfer that has spanned just a few weeks.
The Reds are expected to make an initial bid during the summer transfer window to install the intimidating defender to eventually replace club icon Virgil van Dijk.
And one player who is first and foremost in every discussion is RB Leipzig’s Croatia international, Josko Gvardiol, who is considered to be one of the best defenders on the planet.
The youngster impressed at last year’s Qatar World Cup, while his performances in the Champions League have earned admirers across Europe.
In recent weeks City boss Pep Guardiola and his team have been locked in conversations with Leipzig, who are reportedly holding out for Gvardiol’s £85m release clause to be paid in one hit. It would be a world record transfer for a defender, surpassing the £80m Manchester United paid Leicester City for Harry Maguire.
According to German football expert Christian Falk, reporting via Caughtoffside, a stalemate has broken out as Leipzig hope to identify a suitable replacement first, while City are understood to be bidding on prices in hopes of securing a discount.
An uneasy silence has therefore emerged, and that may have allowed Liverpool to attack at the most opportune moment, especially as Klopp holds a trump card in the form of Joe Gomez.
Gomez, who is just 26 years old, has spent the last few seasons alternating between being a first-team regular for the Reds and also occupying the bench for extended periods.
His impeccable understanding of Van Dijk earned him great praise from Klopp, although the rigors of Premier League football have led to several injuries and thus hampered the England international’s progress as a result.
With one eye on the upcoming European Championship, Gomez – who has been eyed by Leipzig scouts on previous occasions – will probably find a move to the Bundesliga highly profitable.
Such an offer from Liverpool would hijack control of the Gvardiol situation, whereupon Leipzig could be provided a ready-made replacement for the Croatian while also accepting a transfer fee to offset the price.
Quotes from Gvardiol several years ago, provided to RTLDanas during an interview, have boosted Liverpool’s hopes that the youngster has finally arrived at Anfield.
When asked about the ideal club to play for when at the peak of his powers, Gvardiol replied: “My dream club? It’s got to be Liverpool.
“Since I was a kid I watched a lot of their games with my dad. We covered every season in detail. It’s a club that remains in my heart.”
But Gvardiol has always maintained a respectful tone when speaking about a potential transfer and exit from Leipzig.
It is understood the German giants are unwilling to part ways with the defender this summer unless his release clause is met and paid in one installment.
Leipzig are expected to receive more offers in the 2024 summer transfer window, in which Klopp and Liverpool are set to lose club supporter Joel Matip following the expiration of his current contract.
Whether the Reds pull the trigger this summer and thwart City remains to be seen. But all things point to a risk well worth taking.
