Liverpool weighing up move for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol

Liverpool are among a host of clubs interested in signing RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol in the summer transfer window.

Josko Gvardiol, who despite only turning 21 last month, is regarded as one of the world’s highest-rated young defenders. The youngster’s stock skyrocketed after the 2022 World Cup, where he helped Croatia clinch a third-place finish behind Argentina and France.

The left-footed centre-back nearly joined Chelsea last summer but their failure to sign him has proven to be a big mistake as Liverpool are the latest club to enter the race for his signature. Gvardiol has £98m buyout clause in his RB Leipzig contract, which becomes active in 2024, but going by his sparkling displays this season there is a big chance he will go for a lot more than his release clause this summer.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, reliable Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that Liverpool are keeping tabs on Gvardiol and have also sent their scouts to follow the player many times in the last few months.

Liverpool desperately need surgery in defence

Liverpool have been defensively all over the place throughout the campaign. Their recent 5-2 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid at Anfield further demonstrated the need for fresh legs at the back.

Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate have had spells on the sidelines, while Joel Matip’s form has fallen off the clip. Joe Gomez has proven over the course of the season that he is not good enough to start every game for the Reds, which suggests how badly the defensive unit is in need of a revamp. Thus, the club must spend big in the summer market to ensure that they are well-stocked in every department heading into the next season.

Josko Gvardiol should offer Liverpool a long-term solution at the back

The Reds certainly need to start lining up some defensive targets after their mauling at the hands of Real Madrid in the Champions League earlier this week. To put things into perspective, Liverpool completing a raid on RB Leipzig for Josko Gvardiol would make complete sense in footballing terms.

One of the best defensive talents in the world, Gvardiol has shown enough in Germany to suggest that he has the qualities to hack it in the Premier League. The Croatian defender grabbed world attention with composed displays in the Qatar World Cup. Blessed with a combination of technical skills, physicality and pace, the 21-year-old would be a valuable addition to Liverpool’s defensive ranks.

Gvardiol would be a straight upgrade on either Gomez or Matip, whilst his versatility to operate as a left-back should add more value for the Merseyside outfit. He is a player with huge potential and could be Liverpool’s long-term solution at the back.

However, if the Reds miss out on Champions League football next season, it would be difficult to prise the Croatia international away from RB Leipzig in the summer.