After Liverpool were strongly linked with a loan move for Lutsharel Geertruida, we have taken a look back at the Reds’ last temporary defensive signing and they fared.
Liverpool are not active members of the loan pool when it comes to bolstering their own squad, but they were tempted by Geertruida as they sought to bolster their defensive options.
The deal ultimately fell through, but it got us reflecting on the last time the Reds were left to turn to a temporary deal to aid their defence.
Incredibly, even though it somewhat feels like only yesterday, the last defender the club brought in on loan was five years ago.
Who was Liverpool’s last defensive loan signing?
Back in February 2021, Liverpool faced a central defensive crisis, with Virgil van Dijk ruled out for the season with an ACL injury.
Not only that, but the Reds were also without Joel Matip and Joe Gomez, so Jurgen Klopp needed to act in the transfer market.
They turned to Ozan Kabak, bringing him in from Bundesliga side Schalke with an option to sign him permanently at the end of the 2020/21 season for £18 million.
Ben Davies also came in from Preston at the same time, though he never made a competitive appearance.
How did Ozan Kabak fare at Liverpool?
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - Saturday, February 13, 2021: Liverpool's Ozan Kabak (L) and captain Jordan Henderson during the FA Premier League match between Leicester City FC and Liverpool FC at the King Power Stadium. (Pic by Propaganda)
Appearances: 13
There were high hopes for the then 20-year-old Kabak, with the Turk a highly-rated young defender who was recommended to Klopp by his good friend David Wagner.
Things didn’t pan out the way he would have hoped, however, with one horrible mix-up with Alisson at Leicester playing a role in a 3-1 defeat on his debut.
He lost his next game, too, at home to Everton, before missing the final five matches of the season through injury.
Sadly for Kabak, he was never given the opportunity to play in front of a full Anfield, due to Covid, and his loan switch didn’t become permanent as Liverpool passed on the option.
Where is Ozan Kabak now?
NORWICH, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 21, 2021: Norwich City's substitute Ozan Kabak during the pre-match warm-up before the Football League Cup 3rd Round match between Norwich City FC and Liverpool FC at Carrow Road. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Having failed to convince Liverpool, Kabak was then loaned out to Norwich for the 2021/22 season, again, with an option for a permanent transfer.
Things didn’t get any better for him there, with only 12 appearances due to injury and illness, and the Canaries finished rock-bottom of the Premier League.
Kabak then left Schalke permanently that summer, joining Hoffenheim on a four-year deal, meaning he is out of contract at the end of the season.
He played 58 games in the following two seasons before succumbing to an ACL injury during a friendly in the summer of 2024.
He would not play again for 502 days, but is now steadily regaining match fitness and starting for Hoffenheim, taking his appearances for the German club above 75, with 10 goals and five assists.
Still only 25, Kabak has years ahead of him in his career, but another challenge could come his way this summer.