Transfer Rumors: Jurgen Klopp Wants This $81M Defender To Partner Liverpool Star Virgil Van Dijk

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp reportedly wants Seville’s Diego Carlos to partner The Reds’ star defender Virgi van Dijk next season.

In the last couple of seasons, Liverpool have seen the duo of Joel Matip and Joe Gomez partner van Dijk, who has been in red hot form since his Merseyside arrival from Southampton in December 2017. For playing a significant role in Liverpool’s Champions League triumph in 2018-19 season, van Dijk finished runner’s up in the Ballon d’Or award ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo. Even though it was Lionel Messi who won it, many believed the Dutchman deserved it more.

According to news reports, Klopp has recognized Carlos as the “ideal complement” to play alongside Van Dijk. The 27-year-old center-back has a release clause of $81 million in his current contract with Sevilla.

It is understood that Liverpool are not alone chasing Carlos as Spanish publication Sport has reported that FC Barcelona have been planning to sign the Brazilian centre-back “for some time” now. The Catalans believe Carlos is a “complete footballer,” who can help them challenge for the Champions League once again. Barcelona skipper Lionel Messi has made it clear that he does not believe Barca, who last won the prestigious European title in 2015, can win another Champions League trophy with the current side.

The Sport’s report has further stated that Barcelona are not willing to meet Carlos’ release clause but instead, the Spanish giants are open to trade Ivan Rakitc to Seville as a part of the deal. The Croatian, who has started just 10 games for Barcelona this season, is open to returning to his former club, Seville.

Brazil’s Carlos, who has made as many as 31 appearances for Seville this season, moved to Spain from France’s Nantes for $16.8m last summer.

At present, all the soccer leagues have been suspended due to the coronavirus crisis. While Barcelona are on the top of the La Liga table, Premier League leaders Liverpool are just two wins away from clinching their first league title in 30 years.