Liverpool are ‘among’ the clubs eyeing a move for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol this summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Peter Smith.
The Lowdown: Anfield move is his dream
The Croatian’s contract with Marco Rose’s side isn’t set to expire until 2027 having been rewarded with a new deal last year, but following some mightily impressive performances at the Red Bull Arena, he has caught the eye of the Premier League giants.
The Bundesliga centre-back admitted that it’s his dream to one day complete a move to Anfield, having watched the Reds ever since he was a child, handing Jurgen Klopp a significant boost in the hotly contested race for his signature.
Leipzig’s manager has claimed that the 21-year-old will still be his player next season, but things could well change should a big offer arrive.
The Latest: Liverpool eyeing Gvardiol
According to Smith via Sky Sports’ Transfer Centre, Liverpool are one of a trio of potential top-flight suitors for Gvardiol this summer.
"Josko Gvardiol - the man in the mask for Croatia at the World Cup - has only just turned 21 years old but is coveted by Europe's top clubs.
"Such is his standing, Leipzig inserted a 110m Euro (£98m) buyout clause in his contract, which becomes active in 2024. There is a good chance he will go for a lot more than that this summer, with City, Chelsea and Liverpool among the clubs linked with a big-money move."
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The Verdict: Get it done…
Gvardiol has been dubbed an ‘elite talent’ by football scout Jacek Kulig, and Liverpool need to act fast to get this deal over the line ahead of their competitors.
The 6 foot 1 defender currently averages 2.5 clearances per league game and also ranks in the 99th percentile for most successful take-ons and passes attempted, highlighting his composure when playing out from the back.
The Zagreb native is also a threat in the final third having scored two goals in five Champions League appearances this term, which will be another attractive attribute to Klopp.
Liverpool’s lack of defensive options has been exposed this season with both Virgil Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate being sidelined, so reinforcements are definitely needed, and Gvardiol would be the perfect candidate to put pen to paper on Merseyside.