Liverpool have reportedly added Sven Botman on their list of central defenders they could pursue in the January transfer window.
According to a report by Liverpool Echo, Sven Botman is the subject of interest from Liverpool over a possible move in the January transfer window. The Premier League champions could test the waters at Lille over the Dutchman’s signature owing to the French club’s financial woes.
Sven Botman progressed through the ranks at Ajax but never managed to break into the first-team setup. In fact, after impressing on-loan at Heerenveen last term, the 20-year-old was shipped out permanently by the Dutch outfit, with Perr Schuurs and Lisandro Martinez impressing at the back.
Lille subsequently snapped Botman up this past summer, securing his services in a deal worth around a mere £9 million. At the Ligue 1 outfit, Botman has been quite impressive to say the least, featuring in every single game so far this season. However, it is now being reported that the 20-year-old could soon be on his way out of the club, with Liverpool showing an interest.
Lille are on the cusp of financial turmoil, with president Gerard Lopez coming under the scanner due to the club’s rising debt. This situation has alerted a number of clubs over the prospect of swooping away Lille’s best players, as they look to clear out the mounting debt. One such suitor are Liverpool, who now have Botman in their sights.
Liverpool have been rumoured to be in the market for a centre-back ever since Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez suffered long-term knee injuries in a span of a few weeks. Over the past month or so, Jurgen Klopp has had to utilise Fabinho as a makeshift centre-back, pairing him with Joel Matip, who has himself had a frustrating tryst with injuries.
Youngsters Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips are, therefore, possible options for Klopp, and it is not surprising that Liverpool will be eager to fix an obvious issue after choosing not to replace Dejan Lovren with a summer signing. AS Roma centre-back Roger Ibanez is the latest central defender to have emerged on their radar, with Botman now being identified as a possible target as well.
An imposing centre-back who is known for his aerial prowess while also boasting superb abilities on the ball, Botman could fit in like a glove at Liverpool. That Lille are mired in financial troubles also means that Liverpool could possibly snap Botman up on a cut-price fee, even though he has over four years remaining on his current deal.
Another Lille superstar in Renato Sanches is also a reported target for Liverpool, and it seems as if the Ligue 1 outfit could be bracing themselves for some offers from the Reds. What now remains to be seen is if Liverpool do launch the offensive for Botman or turn their attention towards some other centre-back.
