Lovren Latest: Personal Terms Reportedly Agreed

Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Getty Images

It’s twists and turns all the way down in the Dejan Lovren transfer saga.

Only hours ago, it was reported from Football Insider that Dejan Lovren’s proposed loan-to-buy move to Roma — a rumour bolstered by his absence from the Super Cup final squad — was going to be called off, on account of Liverpool having doubts about the loan part of the deal. Details were hazy, as they always are in these matters, and it was unclear if the permanent transfer was compulsory and would merely be postponed until next season, or dependent on playing time or other triggers.

What appeared clear, however, was Liverpool’s willingness to sell, and Lovren’s desire to move on, having dropped down the pecking order at Jürgen Klopp’s Reds over the course of the past 18 months. The latter has been confirmed further tonight, as reports from Sky Italia suggest the Croatian has agreed personal terms with the Italian club, and that everything now hinges on whether the two clubs can hash out the details of the move between themselves.

The Reds, having decided that Lovren is no longer needed in the long term, will undoubtedly want to make a permanent transfer compulsory, and with the transfer window shut for the summer and the club’s financial situation being what it is, whether the money arrives this year or next makes little difference.

Dejan Lovren is on big money, however, and getting him off the payroll for 12 months earlier would equate to a £5m net gain, on top of whatever loan and transfer fee Michael Edwards can negotiate, so a conditional move could be an acceptable risk. The giallorossi have even fewer centre-backs than Liverpool heading into the season, and it is unlikely Lovren — fourth choice though he may be at Anfield — would find himself struggling to beat out Juan Jesus and Federico Fazio for playing time.

Roma are in no hurry to close this deal, with the Italian transfer window open for another two weeks and change, and only play their first league game in ten days, so it would be no surprise if this saga drags on for at least another week before it is concluded.

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com