Liverpool’s hierarchy has some big decisions to make come the summer – but one that is said to be decided on already is the outcome of the Ozan Kabak trial period at Anfield.
It is believed following a report by 90MIN.com, that Liverpool wants to “trigger” Ozan Kabak’s option to buy clause. As per the club, the purchase meets multiple requirements in a stiff transfer market.
For one, they will be signing a player they feel has proven he is Premier League ready and has withstood Jurgen Klopp’s demand while understanding the system. The other is the low cost for the 21-year-old Turkish defender.
The club feels the £1.5m paid upfront and an additional £18m to be paid in the summer will suit the club’s financial status best – also citing other areas on the pitch as bigger priorities to sort out.
"Liverpool are ready to trigger their buy option in Ozan Kabak’s loan contract after being impressed with his development in recent months. As part of the deal, Liverpool paid a fee of around £1.5m upfront and negotiated the option to make it permanent in the summer for an extra £18m. Sources have now confirmed to 90min that Liverpool fully intend to trigger that option. (Via: 90min.com)"
The question is… Has Ozan Kabak done enough for a Liverpool stay?
The Reds have endured a rough start to 2021, and just labelling it as rough could be a major understatement.
They have played 20 games since the year turned a new age – and Kabak has played 10 of the 20 games so far.
Since February, when the Turk made his first appearance in Liverpool red against Leicester City, there have been 11 games.
He’s only missed one game of the 11 played and that was their home loss to Fulham at the start of March. It can safely be mentioned, his absence during the 90 minutes was felt already.
Ozan Kabak Liverpool stats
Games played – 10
Minutes played – 881 minutes
Wins – 6
Draws – 0
Losses – 4
Clean sheets – 5
Conceded – 11
Tackles – 12
Blocks – 5
Interceptions – 5
Pass completion % – 90.9%
Errors leading to goals – 1
With him starting all 10 of the games he’s played, they’ve lost less than what they’ve won – winning six and losing four. This does show a slight improvement.
Even if you were to take Saturday’s victory into consideration, you’d see he is playing with a lot more confidence. – more than what he did over in Germany.
If this Kabak buy option does not interrupt the possibility of an Ibrahima Konate deal, then the Merseyside outfit should be finalising everything now already.
Judging by the centre-back’s numbers you’d agree he has done enough to guarantee a switch from the German Bundesliga to the English Premier League.
Even with the inexperienced Nathaniel Phillips playing alongside him, they’ve done exactly what the coach has asked for during games.
The fact he has some good passing range, completing an average distance of 8561 yards (7,83KM) over his 11 games, making an average progression forward of 2112 yards (1,93KM), should put him high up the list of ball-playing CB’s.
He is not afraid of giving a long ball or putting in a last-ditch tackle to save the game. He also reads the game well and probably only lacks in speed.
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This is enough to show he will keep improving under Klopp’s guidance as the manager believes he can after witnessing his current progress at the club while on loan.
Liverpool walked away from Anfield as winners for only the second time this year following a solid performance against Aston Villa on Saturday past.
Their only other home victory came in the Champions League in the round of 16 over RB Leipzig. They will be hoping to repeat another Anfield triuphm after enduring a six-game losing streak at the venue.
The hosts bossed the game from the first whistle against Villa but failed terribly to put away their half chances and clearcut opportunities. It almost came back to haunt as Villa was the first to score of the duo.
If they want to make any difference in their UCL run they must put away all their chances no matter how small or big they are.
If he helps the Reds, who are renowned for European comebacks, to a victory at Anfield and a spot in the semi-finals, they should start working on Ozan Kabak’s permanent deal already and have him sign it before the end of the month.