Dejan Lovren close to Zenit transfer 'as free agent due to Liverpool contract agreement'

Posted Monday, July 13, 2020 by Express.co.uk

Dejan Lovren could be set to leave Liverpool after nearly six years at Anfield.

Dejan Lovren is closing in on a move to Zenit Saint Petersburg and the defender could reportedly move to the Russian club as a free agent. The centre-back arrived at Anfield in the summer of 2014 when Liverpool paid Southampton £20million following an impressive debut Premier League season

The World Cup finalist has endured a mixed spell at the club and may ultimately be remembered for his calamitous performances at the back.

But ultimately he can leave with his head held high and as a Champions League and Premier League winner.

Lovren has improved under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp and he began to change opinions in his final years at the club.

The Times confirmed that Zenit are interested in signing Lovren this summer.

Dejan Lovren close to Zenit transfer 'as free agent due to Liverpool contract agreement'
Dejan Lovren could finally be set to leave Liverpool (Image: GETTY)

According to journalist Andrey Pankov who works for Russia outlet Championship, Lovren could make the move as a free-agent.

He claims that Lovren could 'break' his Liverpool contract to complete the move, which would suggest an agreement is in place to depart Anfield early.

The Croatian international has just one year remaining on his current Liverpool deal.

He is currently fourth in the pecking order behind Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.

Now he wants to play regularly for the final stretch of his career.

Lovren came close to joining Roma last summer, while Bayer Leverkusen also expressed an interest.

Last September, Lovren admitted Jurgen Klopp convinced him to stay at Anfield for another season.

"I wanted to leave, it didn't happen, I was told Liverpool need me and I accepted that," he said.

Dejan Lovren close to Zenit transfer 'as free agent due to Liverpool contract agreement'
Zenit are looking to complete a deal for Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren (Image: GETTY)

"It was not meant to be for me to leave.

"Last week I spoke to Klopp again, he told me he understands me, knows I am not happy, but he also said: 'Look, now it [the transfer window] is finished, I want you to reset your head, you're important.'"

Lovren has played just 17 minutes since the restart when he came off the bench against Everton in the 0-0 draw.

He has been nursing a slight injury but was back on the bench yesterday for the 1-1 draw against Burnley.