Following the news of Virgil van Dijk's ACL injury, it seems that Liverpool are wasting no time in bringing in a replacement for the Dutch colossus. Whilst reports have linked the Reds to former target Kalidou Koulibaly, the current financial climate would suggest the club want someone who will be a little kinder to their bank balance.

According to the Sport Mediaset, via Sport Witness, Jurgen Klopp has identified Schalke's Ozan Kabak as a potential candidate to fill in for van Dijk. It seems Liverpool were hovering over the 20-year-old during the summer transfer window but opted to strengthen elsewhere. Now defence is a major problem for the reigning Premier League champions, it could cost just £27.5million to bring in a new centre-back come January.

Liverpool will struggle without van Dijk

The summer window was a rollercoaster of events for Liverpool, who teased fans with the idea that they wouldn't be bringing in any marquee signings. However, Thiago and Diogo Jota arrived in the final weeks before the deadline, proving that the club are going to fight hard to retain their first ever title. But with key player van Dijk more than likely out for the season, those chances just got dashed.

It will be a tall ask for the Reds to continue their unstoppable form from last season without the Dutchman. As highlighted by Jamie Carragher, Joe Gomez hasn't quite proven himself as a leading centre-half yet. Bringing in someone external could be the only logical option for keeping their title race alive.

When he was 19, Kabak spoke with Bundesliga.com about his desires for the future, and funnily enough highlighted the Liverpool talisman as an icon of his.

"My personal aim is to become a top defender in maybe two or three years, like Virgil van Dijk," the youngster said. "He's my idol, I really like him."

Should Liverpool sign Ozan Kabak?

According to WhoScored, Kabak statistically had a stronger 2019/20 season than Gomez across the backline. The Turkey international averaged more clearances (3.6) and tackles (1.4) per game than Liverpool's No.12, with 2.1 and 0.8 respectively. Kabak also proved to be better disciplined, picking up just four yellow cards compared to Gomez's seven.

The 20-year-old also showed glimpses of van Dijk's balance between defending and getting forward. Last campaign, Kabak netted three times for his club and provided one assist, with the Dutchman tallying five goals and one assist (via Transfermarkt).

Liverpool would also be getting Kabak for a cut price should they make a move for him in January. The Reds had identified the Schalke ace as an option earlier this year, but were put off by his reported £36.2million asking price (via Daily Mail). With a slashed transfer fee, Michael Edwards has incentive to revisit interest in the Turkish defender and look to secure a move that will hopefully ease Liverpool's heavy defensive burden.

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