Liverpool have taken the decision not to sign 32-year-old defender Joel Matip to a new contract. Defence leader and team captain, Dutch defender Virgil Van Dijk, is also increasing in age at 33, and the club is working to secure a centre-back to replace them.
Liverpool’s search for a good defender who can regularly compete with the likes of Ibrahima Konate and Jarell Quansah could lead to a second consecutive signing from RB Leipzig, who brought in Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai last summer.
According to Sky Sport Germany’s Philippe Hinze, Liverpool and Atletico Madrid are interested in 24-year-old defender Mohamed Simakan from RB Leipzig.
“We hear from England and Spain that Liverpool and Atlético Madrid have expressed interest in Mo Simakan. No concrete negotiations, no offers – but there is interest. Possible sale price: €40m-€45m.”
“Simakan can imagine a transfer but is also not unhappy in Leipzig. He is focused on the new season. RB Leipzig is planning with the Frenchman.”
We hear from England and Spain that @LFC and @Atleti have expressed interest in Mo Simakan (24/🇫🇷). No concrete negotiations, no offers – but there is interest. Possible sale price: €40m-€45m.
— Philipp Hinze (@philipphinze24) July 15, 2024
Simakan can imagine a transfer but is also not unhappy in Leipzig. He is focused on… pic.twitter.com/8spWdLKwz3
The former French U-21 defender from Marseille has scored seven goals and provided 13 assists in 120 games since moving to the Bundesliga from Strasbourg in July 2021.
Last season, he was used as a centre-back in the first half of the season and as a right-back in the second half, where he can back up Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The French defender nullifies opposition attacks with his strong physicality and excellent athleticism, but will he step up this summer…?