Liverpool will have to battle it out with Bayern Munich and PSG for the services of Sevilla defensive sensation Loic Bade.
Liverpool are looking to prepare for life without their defensive mainstay Virgil van Dijk. The Reds are preparing a shortlist of potential targets to replace the Dutch international in the long run and according to a report from Caught Offside, the Reds have their eyes set on Sevilla’s Loic Bade.
Bade joined the Spanish outfit at the start of 2023 from Stade Rennais on an initial loan deal. The move made was permanent in the following summer and the 24-year-old hasn’t looked back since. So far he has featured in 63 matches for Sevilla and has even contributed towards three goals.
His consistent performances for the Spanish outfit helped him be a part of the French squad that secured the silver medal at the Olympics. While Bade still has five years left on his deal at Sevilla, he might not be around for long as top clubs have started monitoring him ahead of a potential move.
The French defender is protected by a release clause in excess of £42 million and top clubs like Bayern Munich, PSG and Liverpool could look to trigger it to acquire his services next summer.
Loic Bade a potential van Dijk replacement?
Liverpool are keen on reinforcing their backline with Virgil van Dijk’s future at the club uncertain. While they wanted to bring in a new centre-back following the departure of Joel Matip, the Reds decided against it.
But with the Dutch international’s contract running out in less than 10 months, the Merseyside club find themselves in a spot of bother. While they will try to extend Van Dijk’s stay, there is a high possibility of him leaving as a free agent in search of a new challenge elsewhere.
The Reds have started to prepare for life without the 33-year-old and they have prepared a shortlist of potential targets and Bade has been added to that list of targets. They feel the French defender could be an ideal long-term replacement for the former Southampton defender.
Arne Slot’s scouting team have been instructed to monitor him until the end of the season as they decide on whether to go after him during the next summer window. While Liverpool are keen on his signature, they will face competition from Bayern and PSG.
The German giants seek more depth at the back and feel the 24-year-old could be a great fit for their setup. As far as the Ligue 1 giants are concerned, they want to have the best French players in their squad and Bade’s potential suggests he could soon break into the national team and establish himself as a regular.
