Josko Gvardiol competing for Croatia against Japan
Liverpool are tracking RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol for a summer move, and he’s got his sights set on joining a Premier League club, according to reporter Ben Jacobs.
The Lowdown: Liverpool struggling in defence
It is fair to say the Reds are not having the best of seasons, currently nine points adrift of the top four in the Premier League, and almost certain to be exiting the Champions League after a 5-2 defeat against Real Madrid in the first leg of the round of 16.
Both Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk have received criticism for some of their performances, with journalist Ryan Taylor claiming that Liverpool should look to upgrade on the former this summer.
The Latest: Gvardiol targeted
According to Jacobs, who spoke exclusively to CaughtOffside, the Reds are considering a summer move for Gvardiol, who is being targeted by a number of clubs across Europe.
The reporter said: “Liverpool are tracking Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol, who Chelsea almost pre-agreed a deal for last summer.
“The Croatian scored against Manchester City in the Champions League and is attracting plenty of interest, including from Pep Guardiola’s side as well as Real Madrid and PSG. There is a £98m buyout clause, but it doesn’t become active until summer 2024.
“I am told Gvardiol wants a Premier League move and the notion he’s ‘picked’ Real is incorrect. He’s also on record as saying Liverpool are his “dream club” because he watched many of their games with his dad when younger.”
The Verdict: Make it happen
Given the buyout clause included in the 21-year-old’s contract, a move would be likely to set Liverpool back a lot of money, however they should bite the bullet, as he is one of the most promising young centre-backs in Europe.
Hailed as ‘sensational’ by members of the media, the defender is assured in possession of the ball, ranking in the 99th percentile for passes attempted per 90 compared to other defenders in the past year.
Despite only just turning 21, Gvardiol is a key part of the RB Leipzig team, making 28 appearances in all competitions this season, including five in the Champions League, recently displaying his attacking threat by scoring against Manchester City.
With Matip struggling and Joe Gomez also being criticised for his performances at times this season, it is evident Liverpool need a new centre-back in the summer, and Gvardiol would be a fantastic long-term addition to Jurgen Klopp‘s backline.
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