Liverpool are reportedly plotting a last-gasp move to sign Duje Caleta-Car from Marseille ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.
According to a report by Daily Mail, Duje Caleta-Car is the latest centre-back to be linked with a late move to Liverpool. The Reds have set their sights on the Croatian international, and have made an approach to secure his services from Marseille before the ongoing window slams shut.
Duje Caleta-Car joined Marseille from Red Bull Salzburg in the summer of 2018 and has since gone on to endure a roller-coaster of a ride at the Orange Velodrome. While he did not manage to nail down a spot as a regular in the starting lineup in his first two seasons at the club, the 24-year-old has become a mainstay at the back this term.
So far in 2020/21, Caleta-Car has turned out 24 times across all competitions for Marseille, missing just a couple of games when available. The player’s progress this season seems to have alerted Liverpool, who are in desperate need to sign a centre-back ahead of the January transfer window deadline.
The Reds were already in a mini crisis of sorts following the long-term injuries sustained by Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez over two months ago. Liverpool’s issues have been compounded by Joel Matip’s own fitness woes, with the Cameroonian currently out with an ankle issue.
In addition, Fabinho, who has excelled as a makeshift centre-back in the absence of van Dijk and Gomez, is also sidelined, meaning Liverpool have been plunged into chaos, scouring the market for an emergency signing.
Indeed, with Jordan Henderson, Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams the only viable candidates to fill the centre-back positions, the Premier League champions are in need of a solution. To that end, it has been suggested that Liverpool are set to sign Ben Davies from Preston North End. And, Caleta-Car is another target considered.
In fact, the Merseyside giants have already made an approach to sign the Croatian international. However, Liverpool are also facing a major roadblock in their pursuit, as Marseille are struggling to find a replacement in time ahead of the transfer deadline.
Caleta-Car is open to making the switch to Anfield, but Marseille’s predicament could end up hampering his chances of earning the big move. It now remains to be seen if Liverpool can somehow get a deal for the 24-year-old over the line or if they indeed land just Davies on deadline day.
