By Jose Diaz (@cheduardo99) and Sam Patterson (@sam0007ster)
Lovren nearing Liverpool exit
After months of speculation, Dejan Lovren could finally be on his way out of Anfield. Russian Premier League team Zenit St Petersburg are, reportedly, leading the race for the Croatian defender’s signature. Lovren has made 185 appearances over a six-year spell on Merseyside.
Last summer, the 31-year-old was all but nailed on to be joining Italian side Roma. But, for whatever reason (perhaps Jurgen Klopp’s reluctance to lose an experienced central defender), the move did not materialise.
Initial reports on Zenit’s interest suggested the Russians were confident of negotiating a cut-price deal given Lovren has just one year left on his current contract. But, as it turns out, the Reds could (and by all accounts, will) opt to activate an option for a one-year extension.
Their rationale? Well, of course, the Reds are keen to accrue more capital in the event of a sale.
From being a stand-out performer for his country in the 2018 World Cup to making just thirteen league appearances for his club in 18/19, and just ten so far in 19/20, Lovren has become a bit-part player under Klopp.
Replacements?
So if a deal does go through, who could replace him? There have been reports linking Espanyol defender Leandro Cabrera to Anfield – albeit via Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo (notoriously unreliable). Conversely, another defender heavily linked with Liverpool – Napoli colossus Kalidou Koulibaly – is out of the Red’s price range, and, according to some, could sign for the Citizens.
The precocious Ben White is also an option deemed to be under consideration. But he’d have to be ready to give up a regular starting spot, a luxury he’s no doubt enjoyed and embraced in a successful season on loan at Leeds United.
All in all, the Croatian’s time at Anfield seems to be at an end. As hap-hazard as he has been over the six years, he’s enjoyed some great moments in red. Most notably, of course, was that last gasp winner against Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League quarter-final in 2016.
Despite the mistakes, he’ll leave Liverpool Football Club with his head held high. After all, he’s a Premier League and Champions League winner.
Short snippets:
- The Thiago links rumble on. As per @BILD, there’s an agreement in place between the player and Liverpool. But, in turn, Bayern Munich value the player at around €40m, whilst the Reds are only willing to pay €25m.
- For more updates on Liverpool’s pursuit of Thiago (if you believe the media), visit our twitter page: @LFCTransferRoom
- Divock Origi looks set to remain at Anfield. The Belgian is happy with his ‘super-sub’ role. And with the number of medals around his neck, who can blame him? (Source: @HLN_BE)
- Young left-back Yasser Larouci is set to leave Liverpool. He has just one year left on his contract and won’t sign an extension as he’s keen to play first-team football. Leeds & Brentford both interested. (Source: @JamesPearceLFC)
- Something a little left-field to finish. @RaiSport believes Liverpool are ready to splurge £60million on Lille forward Victor Osimhen, a player also being tracked by Italian side Napoli. (News broke via @SSCNapoliNews_)
