Liverpool aim to repeat Van Dijk transfer trick with £8.5m deal

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 15 May 2023 15:06 BST
• 3 min read

Liverpool are ready to repeat one of their old transfer tricks to land a central defender this summer, according to a report.

The Reds have previously raided Southampton for some of their leading players in recent seasons, with deals struck with the south coast club for Virgil van Dijk and Sadio Mane.

Both have gone on to become icons of the Anfield side, with Van Dijk still a key figure in the heart of Jurgen Klopp’s defence more than five years after making a move from St Mary’s that proved highly controversial because of the manner in which it was conducted.

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Liverpool are now seeking to take advantage of Southampton’s weakened position due to relegation to raid them once more.

According to Fichajes, Klopp wants to strengthen his defensive options by signing centre-back Duje Caleta-Car from the club for a bargain price of £8.5 million.

The Croatia international has reportedly caught the former Dortmund boss’ eye thanks to his physical strength, tactical intelligence and ability to come out of defence.

This is not the first time Liverpool have been linked with him, though. He has been associated with the club in each of the last two transfer windows, with the Reds reportedly interested before he left Marseille for Southampton.

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Saints to battle over Caleta-Car

A deal, however, will not be easily struck. Southampton want to negotiate of the player and are hopeful that other clubs will make their interest in him known.

A fee of £8.5m (€10m) would represent a bargain deal for Liverpool given that his Expected Transfers Value (ETV) is £10.7m (€11.7m).

For Saints, meanwhile, they would be disappointed to sell the 26-year-old at such a price given that they signed him for £8m a year ago. He has since only enhanced his reputation, while he has three more years left on his contract.

Liverpool, though, are unlikely to waver too much over a transfer fee given that they have significant priorities elsewhere in the market – most notably with regards the midfield.