Liverpool dealt transfer blow as £34m Serie A defender suffers ACL injury

Liverpool had been linked with a move for Torino’s Per Schuurs in the summer, but the defender suffered a nasty ACL injury over the weekend which could put any potential move in doubt.

Schuurs, who turns 24 next month, suffered the injury during their league defeat to Inter Milan over the weekend as he collided with Nicolo Barella before falling awkwardly on his knee.

The injury could be set to keep him out for most of the season if it is an ACL injury, but it could also include damage to the tendon as well, and it is unlikely he will return for well over seven months.

It could also derail his potential future at a top club; this summer saw him linked with moves to Inter and Liverpool and the injury could see him miss out on a potential transfer.

Earlier this year, Schuurs was targeted by Premier League trio Liverpool, Crystal Palace and West Ham United - with the Reds reportedly having a £26m bid rejected. Torino’s asking price of €40m (£34m) wasn’t met by any club, and he remained.

He had spoke out on his potential exit at the time, which only succeeded in intensifying the speculation around him, as he said: “I don’t know if I’m staying,” he said in response to a transfer question. Schuurs added: “I don’t know if I’ll leave for Pinzolo on Monday, my agents and the club are evaluating the offers that have arrived.”

Previously, Schuurs had impressed at Ajax playing 95 times and going on to win the Dutch Cup (x2) the league title (x3) and the Dutch Super Cup.

Technically strong, he also stands imposing at 1.91m tall and is also left-footed which is exactly the type of profile that Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool were reportedly eyeing up this summer.

Originally, that interest led them to Chelsea’s Levi Colwill, but he opted to sign a six-year-deal at the London club and it saw them abandon any moves for a defender in favour of strengthening their midfield.