Exclusive: Michael Edwards takes trip to Germany and Holland to speak to potential summer signings

April 6, 2019

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

By Harry Siddle – @HS_10Ftbol

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.

Luka Jovic

Luka Jovic, another Bundesliga striker, is also someone that Edwards could be persisting for this summer. Scoring 16 goals in the Bundesliga this season and his desirable skillset has made the Serbian linked to the biggest clubs.

Jovic’s overall game is better than that of Timo Werner as Jovic isn’t just a gifted finisher who has a variety of finishes in his game but he can also create for others and link up with his midfielders to a high level.

Furthermore, he can create shooting opportunities for himself with his dribbling and movement in the box. The Reds would face a fight for the in-demand hitman, but it’s a war worth waging.

Steven Bergwijn

Liverpool have lacked a reliable skilled winger that isn’t Sadio Mané or Mohamed Salah for the past two seasons, but Steven Bergwijn more than fits that description.

Putting up 12 goals and 12 assists this season, Bergwijn would almost certainly be one of the wide players that would be attracting the attention of Liverpool.

The Dutchman’s incredible athleticism which combined with his unpredictable dribbling style, off the ball movements and creative traits are all attributes that would translate well to the Premier League.

Matthijs de Ligt

Over the past season Matthijs de Ligt – as well as his teammate Frenkie de Jong – has been presented as the golden boy of Europe and, for the most part, it’s been justified.

Despite many Liverpool fans thinking that Gomez may be as good as the Dutchman, de Ligt would be a great addition as it not only shows that we can compete against the biggest clubs in terms of signings, but most importantly it would elevate the squad to one of the best in Europe.