Summer 2027 looks to be shaping up as a pivotal transfer window for the middle of Liverpool’s defence.
While the likes of Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni have been secured for the future we are destined to see some high-profile departures from the position.
Virgil van Dijk is out of contract at the end of the season with his £400k per week deal expiring in summer 2027. And good friend Joe Gomez will also be leaving when his contract runs out.
Liverpool and Real Madrid circling for Vuskovic
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola may well be in the market once again for a top defender in order to shore up the position.
And according to a report in Football Insider the 2024/25 Premier League champions are ready to face down Real Madrid in order to secure the services of one of Europe’s best young defenders.
Luka Vuskovic, 19, has been a revelation over the past couple of seasons - first on loan at Hamburg from Tottenham and now at Brighton since signing on a permanent deal.
Brighton's £100m super talent
The report claims Vuskovic is being spoken about at the Amex as a potential £100m+ talent with Liverpool and Madrid circling for a deal next summer.
“Liverpool and Real Madrid each hold an interest in his services ahead of another potential move in 2027,” the report reads.
“Brighton believe Vuskovic is already a £100m talent just a few months after they signed him for less than half that fee.”
Luka Vuskovic: Situation summary
Luka Vuskovic is a physically imposing, right-footed centre-back who combines aerial dominance and set-piece threat with composure in possession.
The 19-year-old can break lines through his passing and carry forward to draw opponents out of position. Since joining Brighton from Tottenham in July, he has immediately established himself: the latest available league figures show seven starts and one goal.
That follows six Bundesliga goals during his breakthrough loan at Hamburg last season. Brighton paid an initial £46million and handed him a five-year contract, with another year’s option, giving them considerable control over his future.
Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Barcelona reportedly retain interest, with Bayern described as an appealing destination for the Croatian.
However, those links remain speculative: following his recent arrival, another transfer would require Brighton to sanction an early sale.