Liverpool make enquiry for €45m centre-back | OneFootball

Liverpool and Atlético Madrid have enquired about signing Mohamed Simakan from RB Leipzig.

Liverpool are searching for a centre-back following Joel Matip’s departure from Anfield and have approached Leipzig to discuss the conditions of a potential deal for Simakan.

The 24-year-old is comfortable at right-back or centre-back and has impressed across three seasons in the Bundesliga, winning two DFB-Pokal trophies and the German Super Cup.

Leipzig would like to retain the Frenchman but would consider high offers this summer. Sky Germany are reporting that the German side value Simakan between €40m and €45m, while Atletico Madrid have also expressed interest in his services. Simakan, meanwhile, is open to a new challenge if a leading club approaches.

Simakan ranked highly among central defenders in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries (91st percentile) and successful take-ons (88th percentile) per 90 minutes last season.

Liverpool have Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez as centre-back options, though the latter featured predominantly at full-back last season.

There has also been speculation surrounding the future of captain Van Dijk, who has entered the final 12 months of his deal at Liverpool and recently suggested he will consider his options this summer

“I will think carefully this summer about what I want, at club level and as an international player,” Van Dijk said following the Netherlands’ exit from Euro 2024.

Read – What next for England? The major questions facing the next Three Lions manager

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