Liverpool, looking to secure a defensive midfielder in the Arne Slot regime, set out to acquire Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi in the summer transfer window.
However, the transfer furore over strengthening the midfield came to an end when the player decided to stay at Real Sociedad.
Nevertheless, Liverpool are expected to make a move for the midfielder in the winter or next summer. With Japan international midfielder Wataru Endo not yet trusted, a player who can compete regularly with Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch is a must.
Christian Falk, a German journalist, updated his social networking site to report that Liverpool have added German U-21 midfielder Merlin Röhl, who plays for Freiburg, to their list of candidates, but also that his club has offered him a new contract.
“Liverpool have Merlin Röhl (22) of FC Freiburg on their list.”
“Scouts watched the U21 German Midfield-Player already.”
“Freiburg offered a new contract also because of the interest of the Reds.”
“At the Moment, Röhl is injured.”
Liverpool have Merlin Röhl (22) of FC Freiburg on their list
— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) September 27, 2024
❇️ Scouts watched the U21 German Midfield-Player already
❇️ Freiburg offered a new contract also because of the interest of the Reds
❇️ At the Moment, Röhl is injured pic.twitter.com/xpt3KC5ac9
The 22-year-old tall midfielder, who joined Freiburg from Ingolstadt in the summer of 2022, made 34 appearances throughout the Bundesliga and Europa League last season.
He has played in a wide range of positions, mainly as a central midfielder, but also as a second striker and as a left or right winger.
He started three consecutive games at the start of the season, but was injured. His injury habits are a bit worrying, as he was out injured several times last season.
He is also more of an attacking midfielder than a defensive midfielder, which is not the position Liverpool should be prioritising.
It is not too late for him to develop a better reputation in the Bundesliga and become a regular in the German national team, and he should now concentrate on improving his performances in Germany.
Therefore, it is unlikely that Liverpool will make a move for the player and he is unlikely to be on the pitch at Anfield at the moment.