Liverpool have reportedly made an offer to sign Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic in the January transfer window following Alexander Isak’s serious leg injury.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Reds have moved swiftly in the market after being dealt a major blow during their 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
Isak suffered a broken leg while scoring the opening goal and is now expected to miss the vast majority of the remainder of the season.
The injury has forced Arne Slot’s side into reassessing their attacking options ahead of the new year, with Liverpool now said to have tabled an offer for the Serbian.
Liverpool submit £17.4m bid for Vlahovic
The report claims Liverpool have submitted a €20m (£17.4m) bid for Vlahovic, who is entering the final year of his contract with Juventus.
The Serbian international earns around £377,000 per week before bonuses in Turin and has been linked with an exit for several transfer windows as the Italian club looks to reduce their wage bill.
Juventus are reportedly open to selling the 24-year-old and have no intention of renewing his contract. Fichajes adds that Liverpool are willing to meet Vlahovic’s wage demands, which are believed to exceed €12m (£10.4m) net per season.
Is Vlahovic a good fit for Liverpool?
The striker himself is said to be keen on a move to the Premier League, viewing it as a fresh challenge and a change of scenery. While Juventus’ exact asking price remains unclear, their risk of losing Vlahovic for free in the summer is thought to be pushing them towards accepting a reduced fee.
With both clubs and the player reportedly open to a deal, Vlahovic is reportedly believed to be closer than ever to leaving Turin, and Liverpool are positioning themselves to finally bring the striker to the Premier League.
So far this season, the 25-year-old has six goals and two assists after 17 goals and five assists last season. While he would be a good player to have, the Reds need another left winger more seriously, even with Isak’s injury.
Gakpo can play as a striker as well, so in the Swede’s absence, Liverpool have options. When Isak returns to fitness in a few months, they would struggle to keep three strikers happy, so it seems like a short-term risk not worth taking in not signing cover for Isak.