Liverpool now have golden chance to sign £40m target for cheaper after Xabi Alonso decision

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Despite Liverpool prioritising a new central midfielder, Arne Slot could also do with a new centre-back after Joel Matip departed.

As we approach the final two weeks of the summer transfer window, Liverpool have been trying to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad – although the Spain international has rejected the Reds.

It remains to be seen whether Liverpool keep pushing for the midfielder, or turn attentions elsewhere, but in the meantime, a fantastic opportunity to sign a defensive target has emerged…

Liverpool could now have a better chance to sign Odilon Kossounou as Xabi Alonso shortlists Sepp van den Berg for Bayer Leverkusen

A story from Kicker in Germany now states that Bayer Leverkusen have decided to sign Sepp van den Berg – if Odilon Kossounou leaves this summer.

Xabi Alonso has made the decision as the Ivory Coast international’s future is clouded in uncertainty.

It comes after the Daily Briefing revealed in June that Liverpool are showing a strong desire to sign Kossounou this summer, who enjoyed a memorable 2023/24 campaign as he won the Africa Cup of Nations, before lifting a Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double with Bayer Leverkusen.

Kicker believe Alonso also considered a move for Matip, but with Jonathan Tah potentially leaving as well as the Ivorian, a better option is now being considered in Van den Berg.

A report from Caught Offside claimed that Bayer Leverkusen want £40m to sell Kossounou this summer.

Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes could use this development to secure discount

Van den Berg does not seem likely to start under Slot this season with Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah ahead of him in the pecking order, and it seems the Dutchman has a strong desire to play regularly after an explosive interview back in June.

Liverpool are happy to sell Van den Berg for a sum of £20m, so – in our view at least – Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes could negotiate a deal for Kossounou which includes the Netherlands U21 international, and subsequently lowers the Bayer Leverkusen No.6’s £40m asking price.

It is – admittedly – rare to see clubs engage in player plus cash deals nowadays, although given Alonso’s relationship with Liverpool, along with the individual situations of Van den Berg and Kossounou, we certainly believe there is a chance of an agreement if all parties engage.

READ MORE: Liverpool offered chance to sign midfielder Jurgen Klopp wanted to buy back in 2022

Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as both defenders find their respective futures up in the air ahead of transfer deadline day on Friday 30th August.