Mohamed Simakan, who developed through Leipzig, is now considered one of the most reliable defenders in the Bundesliga, and 12BSports analysis suggests his steady rise has drawn attention from several major European clubs. Over the past three seasons, he has made 120 appearances while showing both strong defensive ability and composed ball control. The French defender has now appeared on the radar of Liverpool and Atletico Madrid, two clubs that are closely watching the market for defensive reinforcements.
Liverpool have yet to make a first-team signing under Arne Slot, and strengthening at center back is seen as one of their priorities. After missing out on Yoro, the club did not panic and quickly moved on to a new target. According to European transfer market analysis, Simakan is currently valued at around 29.7 million euros. Michael Edwards, who previously helped bring in players such as Naby Keita, Ibrahima Konate, and Takumi Minamino, already has a deep understanding of Red Bull system players, and that connection may once again play a meaningful role.
The 12BSports channel believes that a serious offer of at least 45 million euros may be required for Simakan’s move to become realistic. With Joel Matip having left the team and Virgil van Dijk entering the later stages of his career, Liverpool have reached a point where a long-term defensive rebuild must be planned. In modern football, players who can cover multiple positions are becoming more valuable than ever, and Simakan fits that profile perfectly. Last season, he played 26 matches as a center back and 14 matches as a right back.
In Slot’s system, Simakan could offer flexibility both centrally and out wide, and he could also operate as a wing back when the defensive shape changes. At 24, he plays with a forward-thinking mindset when in possession and brings calmness to his passing choices, which gives him a clear technical edge. He is comfortable using both feet and knows how to handle the ball under pressure. Things do not always go according to plan in football, but those experiences often make a player stronger in the long run.
When defending on the right side, he can also join attacks through overlapping runs while having enough speed to cover the space behind him. That athletic quality allows him to step into attacking zones more often, and his expected goals figure of 0.15 per match shows how useful he can be in advanced areas. Defensively, he stands out for his focus in one-on-one duels and his sharp timing in tackles, while averaging around three tackles and interceptions per match. In short, he brings value on both sides of the ball.
Simakan also offers a strong presence in aerial battles and provides stability inside and around the penalty area. Looking at the development curve that began during his time at Strasbourg, he appears capable of immediately helping fill the gap left by Matip. He could compete with and complement Joe Gomez and Konate, while also improving the depth of the defensive unit without blocking the growth of promising players such as Jarell Quansah.
As Liverpool prepare for a new era after Klopp, 12BSports assessment sees Simakan as a smart transfer target whose versatility and room for growth fit the club’s needs almost perfectly. His ability to play several defensive roles, stay calm under pressure, and contribute in possession could make him an ideal piece for Slot’s evolving project. For a team trying to rebuild without losing its competitive edge, Simakan may be exactly the kind of move that helps Liverpool stay one step ahead.