Dejan Lovren is reportedly a target for AC Milan as they prepare an overhaul both on and off the pitch this summer, which could well tempt Liverpool’s No. 6.
Lovren endured a mixed campaign in 2018/19 as he made just 18 appearances in all competitions, due to injuries and the form of those around him.
Joe Gomez began the season as Virgil van Dijk‘s centre-back partner, before a broken leg for the 22-year-old saw Joel Matip assume duties alongside the Dutchman and excel.
The landscape has changed for Liverpool’s defence, with Matip now set for talks over a contract extension after playing his way into Jurgen Klopp‘s plans.
And with Gomez widely believed to be the long-term solution for the Reds at the back, this leaves Lovren as certain fourth choice heading into his sixth year with the club.
Turning 30 in July, the Croatian should be playing first-team football week in, week out, and according to Gianluca Di Marzio, Milan may offer him that.
Di Marzio assesses the situation at Milan this summer, with Frederic Massara set to take over as sporting director and Marco Giampaolo as manager, and further changes due in the squad.
Though little information is provided, Lovren is listed as the first player Milan are targeting, which would make sense given their lack of centre-backs.
Alessio Romagnoli and Mateo Musacchio were the regular starters at the heart of defence last season, with Cristian Zapata the only established alternate in a four-man unit due to Mattia Caldara’s injury problems.
Musacchio has struggled for consistency since joining from Villarreal in 2017, which could present Lovren as a new partner for Romagnoli.
Whether he would leave Liverpool remains to be seen, given he is comfortably settled in the squad and has two years left on his current deal; the club have the option to extend that by another 12 months.
But a lack of game time may prompt him to consider his options if Milan make a concrete offer.
If Lovren does move on, the Reds would likely need to sign another centre-back, though Fabinho is available as cover and Klopp does have promising options in the academy, including Ki-Jana Hoever.
