Liverpool have again been linked with young RB Leipzig defender Josco Guardiola, but a new report says his signature is “unlikely.”
As summer approaches, the number of players associated with Liverpool is increasing every day.
The latest name is Guardiol, the 21-year-old central defender who has impressed RB Leipzig this season.
Last week, Florian Plettenberg from the German TV channel Sky Sports, who announced the imminent departure of Roberto Firmino, said that Guardiol is “on the list of Liverpool.”
However, a new Athletic report says a move is unlikely, despite interest from the Reds.
The Athletic reports that the Croatian player “admires Liverpool’s senior recruiters, who are closely following his development.”
However, they add: “Liverpool may need to bring in another central defender as cover, but given the competition for his signature and the amount of fee that will be required to secure his services, it is unlikely it will be Guardiol.”
Since the release clause in the amount of 110 million euros will come into force only in 2024, you can understand why the “reds” pursue alternative goals.
But it is not difficult to understand why Liverpool is among the top clubs interested in the defender.
Since joining RB Leipzig from Dinamo Zagreb in 2021, the young man has become known for his front foot defense and ball handling skills.
It may be difficult for him to keep the German team.
His manager Marco Rose has already confirmed that Guardiola wants to play in the Premier League, but last month Rose also said that “he will be a RB Leipzig player next season.”
One thing that could give Liverpool an edge in the race to sign him is their good relationship with the Bundesliga club. Nabi Keita and Ibrahima Konate have signed contracts with RB Leipzig in recent years.
The Reds have been linked with a host of central defenders, including Sporting’s Gonzalo Inacio, Benfica’s Antonio Silva, Chelsea’s Levi Colville, Everton’s Jarrad Brantwaite and Torini’s Perr Schuurs.
It is expected that Nat Phillips will leave, and the future of Joel Matip, whose contract runs until 2024, is in doubt, Liverpool needs to strengthen this position.
