Bundesliga’s bottom side Schalke are reportedly preparing for a bid from Liverpool for centre-back Ozan Kabak in January. The Reds were linked with the young Turkey international in the summer, but Mike McGrath of The Telegraph is now reporting that they will make a move next month.
Schalke Prepared for Liverpool Ozan Kabak Bid in January
Previous Defensive Worries Somewhat Addressed
When Virgil van Dijk went off injured in the Merseyside Derby, Liverpool will have feared the worst. In addition, Joel Matip, Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold have all suffered from injuries this season, often leaving the Reds reliant on a makeshift defence.
This hasn’t worked out too badly, though. Fabinho has stepped into a centre-back role and could easily be classed as one of the top defenders in the league, despite his deployment as a midfielder for Liverpool. As well, the emergence of Rhys Williams, mainly in the Champions League, and Nat Phillips in the Premier League, has seen Jurgen Klopp’s side come through the rough patch of injuries largely unscathed.
Therefore, it is fair to wonder whether Liverpool need to spend the money. However, at 23, Phillips is yet to really break into Klopp’s plans, while Williams will need further time to adapt to the bright lights of top-level football, having been on loan at Kidderminster Harriers in the National League North just last season.
Potential Liverpool Deal for Ozak Kabak
Schalke, who are without a win so far this season in the German top tier, believe that Liverpool will make a bid for Kabak next month. As well, it is reported that they will ask to take Reds striker Divock Origi in part-exchange if an offer is made.
Origi looks set to leave Liverpool either in January or next summer, with Wolverhampton Wanderers also said to be interested in acquiring the Belgian.
The 25-year-old would certainly aid Schalke’s hopes of producing a great escape in the Bundesliga. However, even playing time and the chance at being the main man might not be enough to convince Origi to swap potential Premier League glory for a German relegation battle.
Schalke are also braced for bids from other clubs for Kabak, having also previously held talks with Serie A leaders AC Milan.
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