Liverpool could land Schalke starlet Malick Thiaw for £7million

Liverpool are interested in Schalke starlet Malick Thiaw according to Italian publication Arena Napoli (h/t Liverpool Echo).

The talented 18-year-old is a regular at the Bundesliga side’s Under-19 team and made his senior debut this season. His performances have garnered the attention of European heavyweights such as Napoli, Paris Saint Germain and AC Milan.

According to the report, Liverpool are currently at the head of the queue of clubs vying for Thiaw’s signature.

Thiaw has a £7million release clause in his contract. The player’s agent has already started talks with a number of clubs.

Deja vu?

In spite of having played just once for the senior team, the player is held in high regard. His emergence at Schalke is reminiscent of another player who came through the ranks years ago – Joel Matip.

The comparison augurs well considering the impact the Cameroonian has had on Merseyside. Matip signed for Liverpool on a free transfer in 2016 and is a fan favourite at Anfield. He played a key role in the absence of Joe Gomez as Liverpool won the Champions League last season.

The player’s contract at Schalke runs out in 2021

and Liverpool scouts have been keeping a close eye on him. Just 18, he has enough time to develop into an excellent centre-back.

The Bundesliga side are believed to be in negotiations for a new deal but nothing has been signed so far. A tall, lanky, ball-playing defender, he can also play in defensive midfield.

Liverpool have already seen how Matip has developed over the years. He has grown into an important player in Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side. If Thiaw can reach the same levels, it will be money well spent indeed.

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Veteran defender Dejan Lovren could be on his way out in the summer. If it does come to pass, there will a spot open in the squad for a defender. In Thiaw, we could be getting not only someone with promise but also a player who can be moulded into something special under the guidance of Virgil van Dijk.