Liverpool speed their pursuit of Bundesliga talent who ‘ticks all the boxes’ to fill Klopp priority
Jürgen Klopp has made it a priority for Liverpool to add to their defensive ranks this summer and links with a target from the Bundesliga are intensifying.
Although Liverpool will mostly be focusing on the progression of their midfield in the summer, their defence is still a concern. They have already conceded more goals in the Premier League this season than they did in the whole of last season.
With that in mind, Liverpool are scanning the market for potential reinforcements. Any new acquisition might help reduce some of the strain on primary player Virgil van Dijk, who hasn’t been as dominant this season.
Joel Matip and Joe Gomez have unclear futures, while Ibrahima Konate is still striving for consistency. Consequently, there could be room for Liverpool to spend in their backline.
Earlier in February, TEAMtalk was told that Eintracht Frankfurt centre-half Evan Ndicka is an option substantially under consideration by them.
Connections with the Frenchman have remained since, with the Daily Mirror now saying that Liverpool have identified him as the “perfect profile” to add to their roster.
Available on a free transfer in the summer when his contract ends – he has rejected Frankfurt’s final offer of a renewal — Ndicka “ticks all the boxes” for Liverpool, the report states.
The Reds have been studying Ndicka since he was a teenager. Now 23 years old, he has proven himself as someone still worthy of pursuing.
Liverpool would have to fend off potential interest from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur for his signature. Farther afield, Barcelona and his local club Paris Saint-Germain are prospective suitors.
But, Liverpool seem to be serious in taking the left footer to Anfield. Indeed, by boosting their defence with him for free, they might preserve funds for their midfield transfer goals.
Their biggest concern is whether or not they would be able to offer Ndicka a regular starting spot, therefore breaking up the partnership between Van Dijk and Konate.
After making more than 170 appearances for Frankfurt, including 35 this season, Ndicka will want to keep his prominence as he makes the next step of his career.
With his options open, he will have to analyse where he could have the best opportunity of doing so. Furthermore, having winning the Europa League last season and enjoying Champions League football this term, he will want to be competing at a top level.
Liverpool’s qualifying for the Champions League is in doubt at the moment, but not impossible to achieve. Arsenal, PSG and Barcelona might be more sure they will be in Europe’s premier tournament next season, in comparison. Similarly, Tottenham are in a similar situation to Liverpool despite now having a top-four berth.
Perhaps PSG could be the ideal suitors for Ndicka. After all, they need to evolve their defence and the former France youth international would find such a move interesting.
Yet Liverpool will be worth considering, regardless of where they finish this season. Although Ndicka’s desire for playing on the left may cause him to initially conflict with Van Dijk, the Dutchman won’t be certain of his place permanently.
In turn, Ndicka might become Van Dijk’s successor. In the process, he may revive a partnership with Konate from their time together in the French youth levels.
It will soon be time for Ndicka to select his destiny. Yet Liverpool will be one of the key choices under discussion.
