Premier League champions Liverpool have made contacts to sign Virgil Van Dijk’s replacement amidst Lille’s financial crisis.
After Liverpool’s reported interest in midfielder Renato Sanches, it seems as though the Reds are looking into another potential transfer from Lille. The French club is going through a serious financial crisis, meaning their players may be sold under market price value.
This time, the Premier League champions have targeted a 20-year-old Dutch defender to soften Van Dijk’s injury blow. Despite only arriving from Ajax six months ago, Sven Botman has made a serious impact on the French side. The Dutch defender has featured in 22 matches for Lille this season. Moreover, he has proven to be a great partner to the Portuguese international Jose Fonte.
Botman’s performances have resulted in Inter Milan’s interest, with the Italians being willing to offer €30 million for the defender. According to Foot Mercato, Liverpool made contact with the player’s representatives during the month of November. In addition, to successfully sign the Dutch player, the Reds had prepared an offer of €50 million.
However, the deal was being assembled before the English side found out about Lille’s delicate financial situation. Therefore, the club is hoping to secure Botman’s services on a low-cost transfer.
Although Lille’s new CEO Olivier Létang told the press there’s no need to sell in the January market, it came across as a desperate attempt to value the club’s assets. European clubs will be looking to the Ligue 1 side as an attractive low-cost solution to the negative financial effects suffered under the Coronavirus pandemic.
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