There were murmurs. Whispers. It started with Jurgen Klopp’s stern words in the media. Liverpool needed to strengthen. It was the utmost priority for the Reds. As the end of the transfer window loomed, with just a day to go, any potential deals seemed unlikely.
However behind the scenes the Reds and Michael Edwards knew they were in trouble. Bad news was brewing in the air with Joel Matip set to join Joe Gomez and Virgil Van Dijk in the long-term injury room.
The club’s options were scarce. 24 hours to go.
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The clock ticked.
But this is Michael Edwards. The man for the occasion. The genius who thrives under pressure. The master negotiator who can convince an orange that it is an apple.
Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp left the transfer window to the last minute.
And so in the early hours of the morning he was up. Phone calls. Faxes. Planes. The whole lot.
In the end the Reds secured a long sought after target.
Ozan Kabak from Schalke.
At 20 years of age, the Turkish international already has a plethora of experience behind him. His brawny frame is definitely suited to the hustle and bustle of the Premier League.
Yet at 20 years of age, he is also still raw. Defenders peak at a later age. They need time to polish the mistakes out of their game and Ozan Kabak is far from the finished article.
The Reds have signed a player with potential who according to a German football expert and Kabak’s former sporting director at Stuttgart, Sven Mislintat, is a similar player to Dejan Lovren.
Speaking to The Athletic, Sven Mislintat said the following.
"“Top mentality, top character, top aggression. He’s a (Dejan) Lovren-type player. Very good in the air, both defensively and in the opposition box.”"
Considering Dejan Lovren’s spell at Anfield wasn’t always the most popular those comments will raise some concerns to the Reds’ faithful.
However in all honesty, Mislintat seemed to frame it as a compliment rather than a criticism.
It will take time. The club and the fans will need to be patient. However, it is clear there is tremendous potential in Ozan Kabak, whether he can fulfil his high ceiling at Anfield only time will tell.
One thing is for certain, the Turkish international will play alongside his idol Virgil Van Dijk so he will certainly learn from the best.
What do you make of Sven Mislintat’s comments?