Newcastle want to double Liverpool for excellent Dutch defender
Liverpool and Newcastle United are both reportedly eyeing up a summer move for Torino defender Perr Schuurs. While Liverpool find themselves nine points adrift of the Champions League places, Jurgen Klopp has already acknowledged that changes will be made to his squad in order to refresh it.
Meanwhile, Newcastle possess the best defensive record in the division and currently hold a three-point advantage in the race to qualify for the Champions League.
According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Liverpool may be prepared to rival Newcastle if a deal for Schuurs becomes a possibility.
Schuurs was playing a key role in helping Torino hold one of the best defensive records in Serie A earlier this season. Although he has a contract at Torino until 2026, Il Toro may appreciate that the Dutchman’s valuation has increased considerably during 2022-23.
Despite being yet to make an appearance for the Netherlands senior side, he earned 16 caps with the Under-21s and has 95 appearances for Ajax to his name.
The former Ajax man is primarily a centre-back but is capable of deputising at right-back and in defensive midfield if required – versatility likely to interest clubs such as Liverpool and Newcastle.
The former require extra competition at right-back and there is uncertainty over the future of Joe Gomez, while Newcastle may jump at the chance to sign players who can play in more than one position to boost their numbers and help meet FFP criteria.
Regardless of their final finishing positions, both Liverpool and Newcastle will be chasing similar targets during the next transfer window. It remains to be seen whether either club will succeed in signing Schuurs from Torino come summertime.
