Liverpool have been repeatedly linked to Ozan Kabak in recent months, with various reports detailing the Reds’ interest in the defender. Virgil van Dijk’s injury only encouraged things further, and it’s thought Schalke would be open to a January sale.
Earlier this month we covered claims from Germany that Liverpool were ‘considering whether to sink the blow’ for Kabak, with the Bundesliga side originally looking for €25m.
That fee may come down given Schalke’s situation, and there’s also the chance of using a player in the deal. This weekend saw claims from England of Divock Origi potentially going the other way, and that’s been picked up in Germany.
Fussball Transfers have given their take, and they make it clear a deal is possible between Liverpool and Schalke in January.
However, as always, things won’t be simple.
Firstly, it’s questioned whether Origi would even want the move. Schalke are currently bottom of the Bundesliga, a club in a continual state of crisis, and looking at genuine financial ruin should they be relegated.
On top of that, they couldn’t afford to pay all of Origi’s wages, so Liverpool would have to help out with the salary. Maybe if Schalke agreed to sell Kabak in a deal that was favourable to Jurgen Klopp’s side, the Premier League champions could help out on the basis of a loan.
That would allow Origi to get minutes ahead of the Euros, but also provide him with an escape route should he not see himself at Schalke longer term.
