Liverpool and Newcastle brace for a transfer setback as a solid option emerges.
Liverpool may be in danger of missing out on RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan. Al-Nassr is making a significant effort to secure Simakan’s transfer.
Although no deal has been finalized, Leipzig is reportedly seeking a transfer fee in the range of £34 million to £42 million (€40 million to €50 million).
Despite Liverpool and Newcastle United remaining interested, Al-Nassr is currently considered the leading candidate to sign the player.
Liverpool’s search for a new center-back follows Joel Matip’s exit at the end of last season, and Simakan, who moved to Leipzig from Strasbourg three years ago, is seen as a potential fit.
The former French under-21 international played 42 games across all competitions last season, winning two DFB-Pokal titles and a DFL-Supercup during his tenure in Germany.
Liverpool has established a strong working relationship with RB Leipzig, which they hope to leverage in their pursuit of Simakan.
This relationship has previously resulted in successful transfers, including Dominik Szoboszlai for approximately £60 million last summer and Ibrahima Konaté in 2021.
Additionally, Naby Keïta joined Liverpool from Leipzig for a then club-record fee of £48 million, and Fabio Carvalho spent time on loan at Leipzig’s Red Bull Arena last season.