Liverpool have now hit a huge hurdle in their pursuit of Perr Schuurs with boss Jurgen Klopp dreaming of pairing the Torino star and Virgil van Dijk with his summer transfer.
That is according to Toro.it, which reports that all talks between Liverpool and Torino over a transfer for Schuurs have frozen. The Serie A side have also been negotiating a transfer with Crystal Palace this summer. But their discussions with the Eagles have also now hit pause.
Liverpool and Crystal Palace have shown the most interest in prising Schuurs away from the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino. Yet Il Toro chairman Urbano Cairo will not let the 23-year-old leave the club for anything under €40m (£34m). But his price tag has so far been an issue.
Crystal Palace and Liverpool continue to target a transfer for Perr Schuurs
No club has yet indicated any willingness to pay Cairo what he seeks for the centre-back this summer. Schuurs now faces an awkward situation at the Serie A side, having told Torino fans recently that he does not know whether or not his future past this window is with the team.
Crystal Palace and Liverpool have not ditched their interest in Schuurs and remain vigilant to the potential for a transfer. While the defender has enjoyed a strong start to the summer as he finds focus in pre-season. The 6 ft 3 enforcer continues to work with absolute dedication.
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Liverpool remain alert to Schuurs’ situation as Klopp dreams of pairing the Dutchman with his compatriot, Van Dijk, at Anfield. The Reds boss is eager to sign a centre-half who would complement the former Southampton star. But Crystal Palace could complicate his interest.
Liverpool and Crystal Palace have already submitted offers to Torino
Reports by Tuttosport at the start of July claimed that Liverpool had tabled a €30m (£26m) offer for Schuurs’ transfer. But Torino immediately returned the offer to its sender while also rejecting a bid by Napoli. Il Toro always anticipated receiving yet further proposals, however.
A bid would arrive from the Eagles, as well. Tuttosport also reported this month that Crystal Palace offered Torino €35m (£30m) for Schuurs’ transfer. But Cairo has held firm at a €40m (£34m) price tag. While Tuttosport even reported Schuurs has agreed to join Crystal Palace.
While Liverpool would be Schuurs’ preferred destination, he has agreed on personal terms with Crystal Palace in case Torino agree to a transfer. The Eagles, though, must bid a further £4m for a deal and Liverpool another £8m if they are to get a player Michael Owen admires.
“[Schuurs] will be the new Matthijs de Ligt,” Owen told BT Sport (21/10/23, 22:30). “He is still young, but what a body and what strength. He already reminds me a lot of De Ligt. Nice on the ball, aggressive and strong for his age.”