It looks like Dejan Lovren’s time at Anfield is nearly over amid reports the Liverpool defender is close to joining Zenit.
Lovren is clearly no longer a key part of the Liverpool backline, having made just 10 league appearances this season. Although a mid-season muscle injury played a part in his limited game time.
But Jurgen Klopp favours using Joe Gomez as Virgil van Dijk’s chief partner in central defence. And with Joel Matip also competing, perhaps it’s time for Lovren to reconsider his future.
The 31-year-old’s minutes have been limited ever since reaching the World Cup final with Croatia in 2018. Therefore, a fresh start could be exactly what he needs now. Even though injury problems have been a frequent occurrence.
Now Sky Sports reports that Lovren has the option to join Zenit pending personal terms.
A fee near £11m is believed be on offer. It’s not a bad deal for Liverpool either, considering Lovren’s injury woes and his contract expiring next year anyway.
But while the Premier League champions can extend it for another 12 months, it seems they’re willing to part with Lovren this summer.
Head coach Jurgen Klopp was evasive himself when questioned on the defender’s future in a press conference ahead of the club’s season finale against Newcastle on Sunday.
“As long as nothing is decided we don’t speak about these kinds of things,” the German stated.
The question now is whether the Reds will sign a replacement for Lovren or not?