According to a recent report by Sport Bild, Liverpool are keeping a keen eye on Schalke 04 centre-back Ozan Kabak ahead of a move during the summer transfer window. The same source has also claimed that the Reds have reached out to the German club to discuss a potential transfer for the one-time Turkish international this summer. It is believed that Jurgen Klopp is a big admirer of the defender’s talents and has identified him as an ideal replacement for Dejan Lovren, who has parted ways with the Merseyside outfit in this off-season (via Sport Bild).
The 20-year-old has established himself as a top performer at VELTINS-Arena after producing a series of commanding displays at the heart of David Wagner’s defence. He has participated in 28 matches for the German outfit this term, scoring three goals and providing one assist in all competitions which highlight his knack for getting involved in the attacking third.
The Ankara-born has found some consistency with his performances as well based on his average of 1.4 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, 3.6 clearances and 0.8 dribbles per game in the Bundesliga. He has also been quite accurate with his ball-distribution after completing 81.5% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
Kabak has represented Turkey at various youth levels and has earned one senior cap for his country thus far. Maybe a summer switch to Anfield could provide him with a more prominent platform to showcase his skills and secure more senior caps for Turkey in the years to come.
What Will The Turkish Starlet Bring To Merseyside?
Kabak is a moderately-paced defender who can use his strength to overpower the opposition and make some important interceptions and last-gasp clearances for his team. He can maintain a solid defensive shape at the back and has shown this season that he can serve as a reliable ball-playing centre-back which makes him a good fit for Klopp’s style of play at Anfield.
Kabak will not only add more bite and steel to the Liverpool backline but also enhance the overall depth of their squad. At 20, he is only going to get better with each season which the Reds could look to capitalise on over the next few years.
Is Kabak The Right Choice For The Reds?
The Turkish defensive ace will also offer some serious competition for Joe Gomez and Joel Matip in the race to secure a regular starting berth alongside Virgil Van Dijk at Merseyside next season. The Schalke youngster is primarily a centre-half, but can also fill in as a defensive midfielder if required which makes him a decent choice for the new Premier League champions to consider before the start of the new campaign.
