Liverpool, which is working to strengthen its midfielders, has secured an Argentine midfielder and a Hungarian midfielder and is eyeing further additions. On the other hand, they are also actively reinforcing young players. Last summer, they welcomed Scottish U-21 international Ben Doak to the team, where he showed glimpses of his talent in cup competitions.
And now, the team is turning its attention to Germany. According to Bild, Liverpool has been following the progress of German U-21 forward Nelson Weiper, who is playing for Mainz, for the past two years.
The tall forward, now 18 years old, is blessed with a 1.92m frame that gives him strength in the air. He is highly regarded for his decisiveness, goal scoring ability, off-the-ball movement, and other qualities required of a striker, and last season he made his debut in Bundesliga, making nine appearances and scoring twice throughout the season.
Although he is still getting used to the top flight, at the youth level he showed his determination and exploded with 12 goals in 12 games. He has continued to develop year after year at Mainz, Jurgen Klopp’s old club.
Liverpool saw former Brazilian international Roberto Firmino leave the club this summer after his contract expired. Dutch international foward Cody Gakpo has replaced him at center forward, and Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez are also available to play.
However, as for Jota, he has been cut down at times due to his lack of height, and Nunez is not a dexterous player and has trouble containing the ball and playing to make the most of his surroundings. Both would ideally like to be used on the left wing, and Weiper could be an interesting candidate for the center forward’s future.
However, even if he moves to Liverpool, he will have to hone his skills in the academy for a while. Or, more likely, he will be loaned back to Mainz or on loan at another club.
Mainz has no intention of losing the young talent, and it would be preferable for the player to continue his development in Germany.
It seems unlikely that he will move to Anfield this summer, but it would not be surprising to see him challenge for the Premier League or play for Liverpool in the near future.