Liverpool ‘has 15 days’ to use below-value $53m release clause and land ‘scouted’ transfer steal

Liverpool ‘have 15 days’ to enforce release clause in $53m deal and steal ‘explored’ transfer

Liverpool are expected to look to replace one of their existing stars with a promising talent whose recently revealed release clause makes him a relative transfer.

It will be a summer of big change at Anfield as Liverpool look set to replace a number of starting stars with new reinforcements. After a Serie A star’s release clause, there could be a ready-made solution for Jurgen Klopp in a problematic area.

Much has been said about the need for Liverpool to strengthen in midfield in the coming months, with a number of departures expected in this area of ​​the pitch. But it has become clear at times this season that the squad may also need to be overhauled in terms of centre-back replacement options. With Reds stalwart Joël Matip entering the final 18 months of his current contract and Nat Phillips’ future far from certain, both could be moved this summer. With Joe Gomez’s form so far this season hit and miss, it wouldn’t be entirely surprising if Klopp signs the position in the upcoming transfer window.

The combination of Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk look set to be the German coach’s first choice in central defence, but both have struggled with injuries on points this season, limiting their playing time together. With that in mind, links to Napoli defender Kim Min-jae are perhaps only to be expected, and the emergence of his relatively low $53m (£43m/€49m) release clause could mean Liverpool become one of the best defenders in the world for a fee well below his market value.

With the Neapolitans so impressive this season, top of Serie A and Champions League quarter-finals, South Korea’s imperious international will have no shortage of suitors this summer, especially with his own release clause unlikely to be able to push back the majority. of the best European clubs. Unsurprisingly, Liverpool are set to face competition for the signing of the former Fenerbahçe defender from Premier League rivals including Tottenham and Manchester United, according to TEAMTalk.

Speaking to the website, journalist Ben Jacobs said Liverpool and Tottenham had “sought out” the 26-year-old, who has been described by Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti as “one of the best centre-backs in the game. world” after replacing Kalidou. Koulibaly had at the heart of his defense. The current Serie A leaders are said to be making a good profit on the player after signing him for just $19m (£16m/€18m) last summer, but are losing one of their leading performers in one of their best campaigns for the Napoli team since the thrilling days of Diego Maradona.

Looking at his stats this season, it’s understandable why the South Korean has garnered a lot of praise, with the defender standing out for his game intelligence and aggressive forefoot style. According to football metrics website FBref, the 1.90m (6ft 3) defender ranks in the 88th percentile for successful aerial duels per 90 minutes compared to players at his position in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, reflecting his prowess in the air. Furthermore, the centre-back has also impressed with his ability to play from behind and is easily one of the most effective players on the continent when it comes to launching attacks. create actions. In short, Kim has essentially been one of Europe’s most complete defenders over the past year.

Given his dependability – he has been almost ever-present for Napoli so far this season, making 35 appearances in all competitions – he could potentially be a revelation for Klopp. It is worth noting that FBref has listed RB Leipzig’s Joško Gvardiol and Benoît Badiashile, now of Chelsea, as two players who resemble Kim in style, and Liverpool have been linked with both players over the past year.

With Kim’s release clause only expected to run for 15 days this summer, the Reds may need to act quickly to secure a deal, according to Sport Witness. There’s no doubt that anyone signing the South Korean giant could end up making one of the smartest purchases of the coming summer.