Defender Liverpool REJECTED in January now set for £7m move to Spain

Liverpool turned down the opportunity to sign RB Salzburg's Oumar Solet last January and the centre-back is now closing in on a move to Spanish side Villarreal. 

After Joel Matip's injury last December, it was reported that Liverpool were interested in recruiting a new central defender. However, the winter window passed without any new additions to the backline.

But after the window slammed shut, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that Liverpool were offered the chance to sign RB Salzburg's Solet.

The Austrian outfit were willing to part ways with the former France youth international but the Reds, despite having scouted Solet for some time, opted against pursuing a deal.

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Just seven months later and Solet is finally earning a move to one of Europe's top five leagues, with Romano reporting that Villarreal are negotiating an €8.5m (£7m) deal for the 24-year-old.

Solet will miss out on the chance to work with former Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders, who has just taken the RB Salzburg manager position.

Add-ons will be included in the deal and personal terms are yet to be agreed, but it seems a low fee for a player once so highly regarded by the Reds.

Liverpool have been linked with strengthening their defence this summer following Matip's exit but are yet to make any first-team signings.

WHY DID LIVERPOOL NOT SIGN OUMAR SOLET?

While Liverpool reportedly held a significant interest in Solet and followed his career closely, a move to Anfield may have been blocked by the emergence of the remarkable Jarell Quansah.

Liverpool's No.78 dazzled during his breakout season and proved a reliable customer at the back despite having only turned 21 last January.

Quansah's exceptional rise may be another reason why Liverpool are not desperate to sign a young centre-back this summer, with the Warrington-born ace marked as Virgil van Dijk's eventual successor.

ADMIRAL Bundesliga Red Bull Salzburg v SCR Altach SALZBURG, AUSTRIA - OCTOBER 28: Oumar Solet of FC Red Bull Salzburg prior the ADMIRAL Bundesliga match FC Red Bull Salzburg v SCR Altach on October 28, 2023 in Salzburg, Austria. Copyright: xAndreasxSchaadx-xFCxRedxBullxSalzburgx _KU26847

It remains to be seen whether Liverpool bolster the backline before the transfer window slams shut, but their plans may be influenced by Sepp van den Berg.

The Dutch defender enjoyed an excellent loan spell with Bundesliga outfit Mainz last season and has been handed the opportunity to shine in front of Arne Slot during pre-season.

Liverpool have rejected an £8.4m bid from PSV Eindhoven for the centre-back already, with Van den Berg open to a move in search of regular first-team football. The Reds want £20m to sanction a summer exit.

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