Liverpool were tipped to sign Joel Matip’s long-term replacement for £51 million this summer, while Manchester United almost moved the highly-rated star to Bundesliga side Werder Bremen before the end of the January transfer window.
Reds turn to ideal MATIP replacement
Liverpool have been linked with a number of central defenders this month in a bid to replace the experienced Joel Matip, but their main focus now appears to be on the Frankfurt star. Willian Pacho.
Matip’s contract expires at the end of the season and he is currently sidelined due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament suffered in the 4-3 win over Fulham last December.
Jurgen Klopp has been demanding a new contract for the 32-year-old, but the fact he is leaving the club this summer could mean he will no longer be able to influence that decision.
In fact, when asked about Matip shortly after the Cameroon star suffered a devastating injury, Klopp said: “I am confident that the club will show their level. “We have to make a decision with Joel about how that will proceed.”
However, it is looking increasingly likely that Matip will become a free agent at the end of the season. Liverpool I’m looking for an alternative.
They currently have Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and young prospect Jarel Quansah on board, but Gomez has primarily been used as a back-up option for both full-back positions this season.
Doubts have also been raised about Van Dijk’s long-term future following Klopp’s shocking announcement. The Dutchman seemingly put talk of an exit to one side. After taking some of my previous comments out of context.
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Pacho is firmly pursuing a move to Liverpool
And now Sport Bild have delivered an update on the highly-rated Pacho’s links with Liverpool.
Manchester United, along with Arsenal, have all been keeping tabs on the Ecuadorian international, who is currently playing in the Bundesliga.
The Premier League trio are understood to have scouts watching the 22-year-old, who is attracting interest from Italian champions Napoli and La Liga leaders Real Madrid.
German media outlets noted: Increased interest in green onionsIt is now possible to move from Frankfurt during the summer transfer window.
In such a scenario, the Bundesliga side said a transfer deal for the South American would only be completed for a fee of £51m (€60m) to any suitor.
The former Independiente defender has featured in all of Frankfurt’s league games so far this season, helping them keep six clean sheets.
He debuted for the Ecuadorian national team in March of last year and has already played in 9 games.
If Pacho moves in the summer, Frankfurt could make a significant profit after signing him for €9m last summer.
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Manchester City kid summer transfer for Bayern full-back
Manchester City are reportedly ready to step up their bid for Bayern Munich full-back Alphonso Davies this summer. (various)
Burnley are in talks to sign experienced Borussia Dortmund defender Thomas Meunier. (various)
Juventus are interested in signing Ricardo Calafiori and Theun Kupmeiners for next season, and will also discuss extending Max Allegri’s contract in the coming weeks. (La Gazzetta dello Sport)
Tottenham received a late winter transfer offer from Sevilla to sign striker Alejo Beliz on loan.. (various)
Eintracht Frankfurt and PSG are getting closer to an agreement on Manchester United target Hugo Ekitiche. (Florian Plettenberg)
Lazio are set to send an improved offer for Sunderland winger Jack Clarke but are still considering a loan move for Brian Gill – but only if it is a no-purchase deal. (La Gazzetta dello Sport)
End of Real era as Modric’s exit approaches
Real Madrid will not renew the contract of 38-year-old midfield great Luka Modric beyond the ongoing season. (Cadena SER)
Fiorentina have offered 20 million euros for forward Albert Gudmundsson, but Genoa want 30 million euros. (Sky Sports Italia)
Stefano Sensi is set to join Leicester City and did not turn up for Thursday morning’s training session with Inter. (Sky Sports Italia)
Valencia is in advanced talks with Sevilla to sign Spanish striker Rafa Mir on loan for the remainder of the season. (Super Deporte)
Hertha BSC have signed Bradley Ibrahim from Arsenal until 2027. He will wear number 23 in Berlin. (various)
Empoli attacking midfielder Tomaso Valdanzi is expected to sign for Roma on Thursday for 10 million euros, plus 5 million euros in add-ons. (Fabrizio Romano)
Manchester United set to send starlet to Bremen
Werder Bremen are preparing to sign Manchester United prospect Isaac Hansen-Aroen. It is expected that a medical will be administered on the due date the day before permanent discharge. (Benedict Duda)
Isak Hansen-Aaroen is heading to Germany.
AC Milan are hoping to extend goalkeeper Mike Maignan’s contract to ward off interest from Bayern Munich. (Calciomercato)
Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, has reportedly contacted Hansi Flick on behalf of club president Joan Laporta with an offer to become the Catalan club’s next manager. (Christian Polk)
Barca’s other managerial candidate, Sergio Conceicao, is set to part ways with Porto at the end of this season. (Correia da Manha)
Inter Miami striker Nicolas Stefanelli has left the club to join Hungarian club Fehervar FC. (various)
USA international Paxten Aaronson is set to join Eredivisie side Vitesse on a loan deal from Eintracht Frankfurt until the end of the season. (ESPN)
