Liverpool target 'one to watch on the market' - Romano

Tom Weber

• 16 Dec 2023 12:13 GMT
• 3 min read

Maxence Lacroix could be on the move in 2024, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Wolfsburg defender has recently emerged as a potential target for Liverpool in the wake of Joel Matip's likely season-ending ACL injury. Lacroix has regained his importance to the Wolves this term - after being outshone by former Reds target Micky van de Ven last season - and this has caught the attention of Jurgen Klopp and, particularly, Jorg Schmadtke.

The latter, Liverpool's current sporting director, was the man who brought Lacroix to Wolfsburg and he could again be crucial in facilitating a deal. It would reportedly require a fee of €35m to prise him from Wolfsburg despite his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) having suffered a sharp decline due to his unimpressive performance last term.

Wolfsburg would, however, be prepared to sell and indeed they will need to sell in 2024. Lacroix's contract is up in 2025, meaning that the summer will be the Bundesliga side's final realistic chance to cash in on a player who was once one of the division's most highly-rated young defenders.

Lacroix 'one to watch'

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the 23-year-old will be "one to watch" in 2024, having just switched to Unique Sports Group in anticipation of a move. The British agency represents players such as Reece James, Brennan Johnson and Anthony Gordon in addition to a host of Bundesliga stars.

Lacroix has been virtually ever-present for Wolfsburg this term, looking much closer to his younger self than he did when on the pitch last season. In late 2021, his ETV stood at €36m and he was one of the most sought-after players in the Bundesliga.

But Wolfsburg refused to sell at that point and his value has dropped ever since, now standing at just €11m. According to data experts SciSports, Lacroix would be a solid fit for Liverpool.