Transfer speculation linking Liverpool with Croatian centre-back Josko Gvardiol could be stronger than first thought.
According to a fresh source, Liverpool’s rυmored interest in RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol may have been explored with conversations in January. Gvardiol is currently under contract with Leipzig.
The Croatian central defender, who turned in some strong performances at the World Cup in Qatar, has been linked with a move to both Chelsea and Manchester City, in addition to the Reds, in recent weeks. An update on the youngster’s situation that was just provided by journalist Fabrizio Romano (as reported by football.london) could perhaps throw additional light on how keen Jurgen Klopp actually is in signing the 21-year-old player.
It is said that Liverpool contacted Leipzig in January to inquire about the possibility of signing Gvardiol, but they were informed that the player was not available for transfer at that time.
Romano, in his YouTube Daily Briefing, made the following statement: “In January, Liverpool inquired about the terms of the contract with Leipzig; however, it was nearly impossible for Liverpool to sign Gvardiol at that time.
But Liverpool have expressed an interest in Josko Gvardiol, and he is a player who they are attempting to sign. But, it is important to note that Manchester City are unquestionably in the running to get him. At this particular moment, everything is available.” It is common knowledge that Gvardiol was a fan of the Reds when he was a young boy. In a recent interview, he stated that his loyalty to the team is “still in his heart.” Yet he has also stated that one of his professional goals is to suit up for Real Madrid at some point in the future.
There are currently five senior central defenders on Liverpool’s roster, including Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip, and Joe Gomez, in addition to Nat Phillips. However, as Jurgen Klopp looks to shake up his squad this summer, it is impossible to rule out the possibility that the club will sign a new central defender who will put pressure on the team’s other central defenders to perform.
Gvardiol scored Croatia’s lone goal in the third-place play-off match against Morocco. He participated in all seven of Croatia’s World Cup matches.
Liverpool working to secure signing of £100,000-a-week playmaker
Another day, and rυmors are circulating that Liverpool are interested in signing another midfielder; this time, James Maddison’s name is being discussed.
Football Insider claims that Liverpool are seeking to strengthen their midfield and have a strong interest in attracting the Leicester City player to join them. The 26-year-old player signed a contract with the Foxes in 2020 that was reportedly paid £100,000 per week (The Mail), and it is due to expire the following year.
If the England international does not put pen to paper on a contract, then the Merseysiders are likely to move in and employ his services if they are available.
According to the news source, Leicester may seek an enormous sum of seventy million pounds for the playmaker who is considered to be their top player. When taking into consideration that the player can be enticed for no cost in 2024, I highly doubt that anyone will match the asking price.
Maddison is primarily a midfielder with an offҽnsive mindset who prefers to play in the central attacking midfield position (CAM), although he has shown that he can be productive in wide offҽnsive positions as well.
The former player for Norwich City has appeared in 17 matches in the Premier League so far this season, and he has been directly involved in 14 goals scored by the teams’ opponents (9 goals and 5 assists).
After sustaining a knee injυry in November of the previous year, Maddison did make the trip to Russia with England for the World Cup, but Southgate did not use him for even one minute of game time.
Fabio Carvalho was brought in by Liverpool as an attacking midfielder last summer, but he has spent most of this season on the substitutes’ bench, and Jurgen Klopp is in desperate need of a player who is capable of frequently scoring and creating goals.