Liverpool are reportedly set to receive stiff competition from Tottenham in the race to sign Ozan Kabak from Schalke in January.
According to Sky Sports Germany, Ozan Kabak has emerged on the radar of Tottenham Hotspur over a move in the January transfer window. The Turkish centre-back, who is expected to leave Schalke soon, is also being tailed by Premier League champions Liverpool and AC Milan.
Kabak has been a solid addition to Schalke first-team squad, with the 20-year-old being a rare positive in a troublesome period for the Bundesliga outfit since joining in the summer of 2019 from VfB Stuttgart. However, the player’s own levels have also suffered a hit in a campaign that has been mired in the relegation dogfight for the club.
Since joining Schalke, Kabak has amassed 37 appearances across all competitions, even chipping in with 3 goals and 1 assist. His progress, coupled with Schalke’s struggles, have piqued the interest of a number of clubs across Europe. Chief among the chasing pack are Liverpool, who have now been joined in his pursuit by Tottenham Hotspur.
Liverpool’s attempt to cover for the absences of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez has been nothing short of commendable, with Fabinho filling is brilliantly as a makeshift centre-back. However, the fitness issues faced by Joel Matip are now prompting the Reds to enter the market for a centre-back as youngsters Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips are the only other options at Jurgen Klopp’s disposal.
To that end, Kabak is among the players eyed by Liverpool to be signed in January to reinforce their defence. Now, though, the Premier League champions face stiff competition from Tottenham in the race to sign the 20-year-old Turkish international.
Tottenham’s interest in Kabak makes a great deal of sense too, considering Davinson Sanchez is facing an uncertain future at the club. In addition, with Toby Alderweireld on the wrong side of 30 and Japhet Tanganga struggling to remain fit over stretched periods, it is clear that Jose Mourinho could do with another centre-back.
Kabak is, therefore, a viable target for Tottenham over a possible move in the January transfer window. Apart from Spurs and Liverpool, AC Milan are also hot in pursuit of the youngster and have even made an offer to secure his services. However, the Rossoneri could be fighting a losing battle, with the report suggesting that the player prefers a switch to the Premier League.
Tottenham and Liverpool could, thus, be the front-runners in the race to sign Kabak, while rivals Manchester United have also reportedly been named as possible suitors. Meanwhile, Schalke are eager to recoup a sizable transfer fee for the young defender in January so as to ease their financial woes, and it remains to be seen if any of the Premier League clubs do lodge a bid soon.
