Liverpool moving for Bundesliga ace to replace outgoing star: report

Liverpool manager Arne Slot says goodbye to Feyenoord fans in May 2024 ahead of his move to Liverpool this summer.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Liverpool have enjoyed a quiet summer so far. That might be about to ramp up in the final few weeks of the transfer window. 

The Reds' squad saw plenty of renovation last summer under Jurgen Klopp, with incoming boss Arne Slot seeing no reason to upset the apple cart. The Dutchman is yet to make a major signing.

But exits may be inevitable at Anfield. Joel Matip is still being linked with his next club, with Liverpool said to be in the market for a new centre-back as a result. 

Defender Joel Matip in action for Liverpool, November 2023

Joel Matip is linked away from Merseyside (Image credit: Alamy)

In a report from Calciomercato about Juventus's transfer plans, the Italian outlet has shed some light on Liverpool. The Turin giants are said to be looking for a defender, too, leading both former Champions League winners to the same target.

The report states that the two clubs, along with Crystal Palace, are interested in Maxence Lacroix of Wolfsburg. The centre-back is highly-rated in Germany and could be one of the cheaper options that Liverpool move for, having been linked with Goncalo Inacio and Marc Guehi over recent months. 

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Lacroix is a right-footed central defender able to play on either side of a partnership or in a back three. He would provide adequate cover for Liverpool, with the possibility of establishing himself as a starter more than likely.

But in FourFourTwo's opinion, this might be one that the Reds have already missed out on. Palace are said to have opened negotiations – and Liverpool haven't yet.

Maxence Lacroix of VfL Wolfsburg plays the ball during the pre-season friendly match between VfL Wolfsburg and Lille OSC on July 24, 2024 in Rheda-Wiedenbruck, Germany.

Maxence Lacroix is a target for big sides (Image credit: Max Ellerbrake - firo sportphoto/Getty Images)

Guehi's imminent move from Selhurst Park means the Eagles are already targeting a replacement. Liverpool, meanwhile, have been linked with Martin Zubimendi as their first signing this summer.

Lacroix is valued at €20 million by Transfermarkt. His contract is up next summer. 

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Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.