Trouble at Anfield, Klopp wants to sign Thuram but Schmadtke to sign defender

Determined to improve their backline, Liverpool have set their sights on Micky van de Ven, a centre-back who has had a remarkable season with Wolfsburg. The Dutchman is much cheaper than the sought-after Joško Gvardiol. One of Liverpool's targets for the current summer transfer window is to strengthen their backline. The Reds want to boost a position that, this season, has failed to deliver the performance desired by their German coach, Jürgen Klopp.

Joško Gvardiol was initially the club's main target, but after seeing his price tag soar to over €100m, the board have decided to turn their attention to a much more affordable defender, Micky van de Ven. The 22-year-old Dutchman has had a remarkable season with Wolfsburg (36 official appearances, one goal and two assists).

The bid for the player from Wormer would be backed by Jörg Schmadtke, who has been the new sporting director of the club for a few weeks now. The German manager was the one who brought the centre-back to his current team in 2021, in exchange for just over €3.5m. Now, according to WAZ, the cost of the player would be around €40m.

The transfer

Questioned about these rumours, Van de Ven has made it clear that he is more than open to a change of scenery. "I'm doing very well at Wolfsburg, so I don't mind staying for another year. But if I have the opportunity to leave, I would like to. Of course, I read everything. I have good contact with my agent, so I know what's going on. I'll see where it takes me," he admitted to ESPN.