Liverpool have reportedly initiated talks to secure the services of Sven Botman in the January transfer window in a deal around £20 million.
According to claims made by Duncan Castles on the Transfer Window Podcast, as relayed by Daily Express, Liverpool are in discussion with Sven Botman’s entourage over a possible move in the January transfer window. The Lille centre-back could be available for as little as £20 million.
Botman only joined Lille from Ajax this past summer but has gone on to make an immediate impact at the Ligue 1 club. In fact, the 20-year-old Dutch defender has featured in each of Lille’s 23 games across all competitions so far this term and has even supplied an assist in one of the outings.
However, Botman’s future at Stade Pierre Mauroy is highly uncertain owing to the financial struggles that Les Dogues are engulfed in. As a result, it has been mooted that the youngster could already be on his way out of Lille in the January transfer window so as to ease some of their woes. And, looking to pounce on this situation are Liverpool.
That Liverpool could be in the transfer market for a centre-back has been well documented ever since Joe Gomez joined Virgil van Dijk as a long-term absentee. With two of their three recognised senior central defenders out on the sidelines, it is not hard to see why the Reds would be eager to bolster their defence in the January transfer window.
However, there had also been suggestions that Liverpool might be willing to put off such a move depending on how Fabinho fared as a makeshift centre-back, in addition to youngsters like Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips, whenever afforded an opportunity. While all three have impressed, the Premier League champions could still be forced into the market.
That is because Joel Matip is out for nearly a month after sustaining an injury last week, meaning Jurgen Klopp’s options have been reduced further. As a result, Liverpool’s links with a number of centre-backs, including Eder Militao and Botman do make sense. Now, though, it looks like the latter could be their priority for the January transfer window.
Duncan Castles has claimed on the Transfer Window Podcast (h/t Daily Express) that Liverpool are working on a deal for Botman, who could be available for as little as around £20 million. The Reds are currently in talks with the player’s agent and are primed to make an offer when the transfer window opens.
At 21, Botman does have his best years ahead of him and could be moulded in the image of Klopp, with compatriot van Dijk present to guide him till he reaches his peak. What now remains to be seen is if Liverpool do make a move to sign the Dutchman with an offer worth around £20 million.
Seems a decent buy. Gomez was not doing a great job before his injury so he might struggle to regain his place. Fabinho is a much better centre back as is Matip when he’s fit.