Liverpool cut a desperate figure when Schalke central defender Ozan Kabak was signed on transfer deadline day.
Bereft of options at the back, Jurgen Klopp sanctioned the loan arrival of the Turkish youngster and the unlikely permanent capture of Preston North End ace Ben Davies.
It was to be the 21-year-old that would go on to feature heavily for the Reds, however, making nine Premier League appearances before a muscle problem brought a premature end to an Anfield swansong.
Despite impressing, for the most part, Klopp had seemingly rejected the chance to sign Kabak for the pre-existing £18million option from the recently relegated Bundesliga club.
Whilst the signing of Ibrahima Konate has all but ruled out the possibility of backtracking on the Turkish starlet, recent reports suggesting Nat Phillips could be on the way out of Merseyside have reignited some hopes.
Reputable journalist James Pearce was quick to kibosh the prospect on Twitter when stating: ”No. That ship has sailed.” with the boat emoji for good measure.
Twitter: @AnythingLFC_ No. That ship has sailed
(@JamesPearceLFC)
Kabak, who averaged 6.78 with Sofascore from nine league outings, has reportedly been made available for ‘significantly less’ than the original release clause – triggering a potential move from Liverpool.
However, given the newly found strength in depth with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip set to return in the coming weeks, a fifth new option alongside Konate seems unlikely.
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Although the heroes of the run-in Phillips and Rhys Williams could both leave the club before next season, spending part of the incomings on another central defensive option is unlikely.
With Davies and at a push Billy Koumetio in situ, four frontline options, in theory, should suffice and Liverpool would be better off spending the Kabak fee on strengthening other areas of the squad.
Valued at £22.5million (Transfermarkt), someone is going to land themselves a talented bargain this summer.
