Liverpool have reportedly faced a tumbling block in pursuit of Merih Demiral, with their €50 million offer being rejected by Juventus.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Todo Fichajes, Juventus have rebuffed an offer by Liverpool for Merih Demiral. The Premier League champions were prepared to lodge a bid worth €50 million for the Turkish international, but that has been deemed as insufficient by the Serie A champions.
Liverpool’s problems in defence have evolved into a full-blown out crisis, with Jurgen Klopp left with just youngsters Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams apart from makeshift option in captain Jordan Henderson at his disposal to deploy at the heart of the defence.
While Joel Matip and Fabinho are only short-term absentees, the Reds still need an immediate solution to their woes, no thanks to Matip’s constant battles to stave off injuries. In addition, with Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez understood to be out for the rest of the season, Liverpool can surely do with a centre-back before the January transfer window slams shut.
To that end, the Premier League champions are understood to have agreed a deal to sign Preston North End defender Ben Davies. In addition, though, it looks like Liverpool had been intent on signing Merih Demiral from Juventus as well.
Demiral joined Juventus from Sassuolo in the summer of 2019 and has since only managed to make slow progress in his career. While he already had a tall order in competing with the likes of Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Matthijs de Ligt for spots in the Bianconeri’s backline, his problems have been compounded by a couple of long-term injuries.
As a result, the 22-year-old has managed just 22 appearances over the course of his Juventus stint till date. The Turkish international’s stock, though, remains as high as ever, which explains why a club like Liverpool have been in pursuit of the player.
However, the Merseyside outfit seem to have failed with their initial offer for Demiral, as Juventus have turned down their €50 million bid. The report suggests that the Serie A champions deem the offer to be insufficient and are keen on recouping a higher sum for the young centre-back.
Todo Fichajes, though, have added that Liverpool could come back with a fresh offer for Demiral before the January transfer window slams shut, suggesting a move could still be in the offing. It now remains to be seen if Demiral does end up making his way to Anfield, or if just Ben Davies arrives before the transfer deadline.
