By Daniel Moxon – @dmoxon_
Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards has been speaking to clubs and the agents of potential summer signings in Germany and Holland in a recent trip to the continent, The Kopite can reveal.
The Reds have been linked with a host of players from these countries in recent months, with a central defender, a forward and a ‘No.10’ on the agenda of the transfer committee’s plans in the upcoming window.
Several of the names linked with the Anfield club of late are from the countries which Edwards has visited and play in those positions, and a few – from one club in particular – are though to be among those who have taken Liverpool’s eye.
German side Bayer Leverkusen boast a team full of talent, and Liverpool have been linked with a few of their star players – Kai Havertz and Julian Brandt are thought to be of interest to the Merseyside club, while it is known that they have a long-held interest in defender Jonathan Tah.
Timo Werner – who will be sold in the summer if he fails to sign a new contract at RB Leipzig – is also a man regarded as a high-importance target for the Reds, while Luka Jovic is another who has caught the eye of Europe’s elite this season.
Meanwhile, Edwards’ visit to the Netherlands is also of interest, as Ajax duo Matthijs de Ligt and Hakim Ziyech, along with PSV’s Steven Bergwijn, are also on the list of potential targets this summer.
Analysis: A look at the potential targets and who we might see join the Reds in the next transfer window
Jonathan Tah
Standing at 6’ 5’’, Jonathan Tah is having a very impressive season for Bayer Leverkusen.
The 23-year-old has a lot of desirable traits for a modern-day centre back and his aggressive style when defending, combined with his ability to dominate aerially and play out of the back, indicates that he would serve to be a very good squad player for the Reds.
Julian Brandt
With the recent reports from Germany that Julian Brandt has a £21.6m release clause it would be no surprise that Liverpool would be interested in the German midfielder.
This season, Brandt has changed from being a wide player to a central midfielder and he’s having a standout season in the Bundesliga.
As seen in the graphic below, Brandt is putting up great numbers in terms of creating chances and successful dribbles in comparison to other players in his position in the German league.
The full international is extremely effective at what he does and, although perhaps not as entertaining as a certain Philipe Coutinho, the Leverkusen midfielder would still be a bargain.
Timo Werner
RP Leipzig striker Timo Werner has been linked to Liverpool consistently since last summer, and it’s no surprise when looking at his game.
Werner’s ability to get over double figures in goals since joining Leipzig has made him wanted by some of the top clubs and his ability to create chances for himself through his movement would be invaluable for a team like Liverpool.
The possible reunion of the relationship between Keita and Werner at Liverpool would also excite many a Liverpool fan. For a more detailed report on Werner’s game, click here.
Last but not least another Ajax player that Edwards should be targeting is Hakim Ziyech.