Liverpool now has a significant opportunity to sign a £40 million target at a reduced price following Xabi Alonso’s recent decision…

Liverpool’s chances of signing a £40 million target have improved, thanks to Xabi Alonso’s latest decision.

Liverpool now has a prime opportunity to acquire their £40 million target at a reduced price following Xabi Alonso’s decision.

After Xabi Alonso’s decision, Liverpool has a significant opportunity to sign their £40 million target for less than the original asking price.

While Liverpool is focused on securing a new central midfielder, Arne Slot may also require a center-back in light of Joel Matip’s departure.

As the summer transfer window enters its final two weeks, Liverpool has been pursuing Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, although the Spanish international has declined their offer.

It remains uncertain whether Liverpool will continue their efforts for the midfielder or shift their focus elsewhere. However, a promising chance to secure a defensive target has arisen.

Liverpool may now have an enhanced opportunity to sign Odilon Kossounou, as Xabi Alonso has placed Sepp van den Berg on his shortlist for Bayer Leverkusen.

According to a report from Kicker in Germany, Bayer Leverkusen intends to sign Sepp van den Berg if Odilon Kossounou departs this summer.

Xabi Alonso has opted to address the uncertain future of the Ivory Coast international.

This decision follows a report from the Daily Briefing in June, which indicated that Liverpool is keen on acquiring Kossounou this summer.

The player had a standout 2023/24 season, winning the Africa Cup of Nations and subsequently securing a Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double with Bayer Leverkusen.

Kicker suggests that Alonso also contemplated a transfer for Matip; however, with Jonathan Tah possibly departing alongside the Ivorian, Van den Berg is now being viewed as a more suitable alternative.

According to Caught Offside, Bayer Leverkusen is seeking £40 million for Kossounou’s transfer this summer. Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes may leverage this situation to negotiate a lower price.

Van den Berg appears unlikely to secure a starting position under Slot this season, given the presence of Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez, and Jarell Quansah ahead of him in the lineup.

The Dutch defender has expressed a strong desire for regular playing time following a candid interview in June.

Liverpool is open to selling Van den Berg for £20 million.

Therefore, we believe that Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes could potentially negotiate a deal for Kossounou that incorporates the Netherlands U21 international, which may help reduce Bayer Leverkusen’s £40 million asking price for the No.6.

While it is uncommon for clubs to pursue player-plus-cash transactions these days, the existing relationship between Alonso and Liverpool, combined with the unique circumstances surrounding Van den Berg and Kossounou, suggests that a mutually beneficial agreement is possible if all parties are willing to engage.

It is advisable to monitor this situation closely, as both defenders are facing uncertain futures as the transfer deadline approaches on Friday, August 30th.