Transfer Centre

Liverpool, Newcastle United to battle for Perr Schuurs?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 18 April 2023

Liverpool, Newcastle to battle for Perr Schuurs?

Liverpool and Newcastle United are reportedly considering whether to launch a bid for Torino defender Perr Schuurs during the summer transfer window.

Liverpool and Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Torino defender Perr Schuurs in the summer.

While the two sides find themselves in the top eight of the Premier League table, both clubs have endured different fortunes this campaign.

The Merseyside giants are nine points adrift of the Champions League places and look likely to miss out on featuring in European football's premier competition next season.

Furthermore, Jurgen Klopp has already acknowledged that changes will be made to his squad, most likely in defence and midfield in order to refresh his squad.

From Newcastle's perspective, they possess the best defensive record in the division and currently hold a three-point advantage in the race to qualify for the Champions League.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp pictured on November 1, 2022 © Reuters

Regardless of their final finishing positions, the two clubs will be chasing the same targets in some instances during the next transfer window.

According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Liverpool may be prepared to rival Newcastle if a deal for Schuurs becomes a possibility.

At one stage this campaign, Schuurs was playing a key role in helping Torino hold one of the best defensive records in Serie A in what is his first season at the club.

The former Ajax man has made a total of 22 starts and one substitute outing in Italy's top flight since Torino paid in the region of €9m for his signature.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe on February 26, 2023 © Reuters

Although Schuurs has a contract at Torino until 2026, Il Toro may appreciate that the Dutchman's valuation has increased considerably during 2022-23.

Despite the 23-year-old 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.

Schuurs is primarily a centre-back, but he is capable of deputising at right-back and in defensive midfield if required, his 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.