Boost for Liverpool as long-term target rejects new Bundesliga deal

Wolfsburg defender Maxence Lacroix has been on Liverpool FC’s radar since December 2023

According to a report from the Daily Mirror, Maxence Lacroix has rejected the opportunity to sign a new deal at Wolfsburg amid links of a move to Liverpool.

Since arriving at Wolfsburg from Sochaux in the summer of 2020, Maxence Lacroix has made 129 appearances across all competitions over four seasons in Germany. After back-to-back solid campaigns at Wolfsburg, the defender, however, has struggled to hit the heights and was sent off three times in the Bundesliga this past campaign.

The Frenchman has entered the final year of his contract, and having decided to not renew terms, there are high chances of him being cashed in this summer by Wolfsburg. The aforementioned report adds that the left-footed centre-back is exploring options ahead of a potential exit from the Bundesliga club. The likes of Crystal Palace, AC Milan and Juventus have shown an interest in him.

Liverpool have been keeping tabs on Lacroix since December 2023. Joel Matip’s season-ending knee injury last season forced Jurgen Klopp and the club to scour the market for options and they had then identified the French centre-back to fill in his void. However, a move didn’t materialise during the winter transfer window and Klopp managed with the limited resources at his disposal.

Now that Matip has been released upon the expiry of his contract, the Reds are in the market for defensive reinforcements and may renew their interest in the Wolfsburg star. Currently, new Liverpool boss Arne Slot has Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah as centre-back options.

Considering the Reds will compete in the Champions League during the 2024/25 campaign, Arne Slot certainly requires more squad depth in various areas of the pitch including central defence.

Lacroix may have not managed to live up to his true potential at Wolfsburg in the last 12 to 15 months but he is still highly rated across the continent and would be a solid option to bolster Liverpool’s defensive ranks. At 24, the ex-French youth international still has a long way to go in his career and could develop into a reliable presence for the Merseyside outfit if he manages to iron out the flaws in his game under the watchful eyes of Slot.

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As he has entered the final 12 months of his contract, Wolfsburg are in no position to demand a premium for the defender’s services. So, Liverpool must take advantage of the situation and try signing Lacroix for a paltry fee as a potential replacement for Matip in the squad. Left-footed, strong in the air and composed on the ball with a good turn of pace, the former Sochaux man could become a smart squad option.

Thus, the Reds must revive their interest in Lacroix and sign him from Wolfsburg as quickly as possible to improve their squad depth.