With Joel Matip leaving Anfield and Virgil Van Dijk’s age and uncertainty over his departure, Liverpool continue to search for a long-term replacement.
The target appears to be a left-footed centre-back who also doubles as a left-back, but rumours of interest in various other defenders persist.
Christian Falk, a German journalist, named Liverpool as one of the clubs to watch when referring to the future of German defender Jonathan Tah, who was close to joining Bayern Munich this summer but settled for remaining at Bayer Leverkusen.
“But there’s another outfit to keep an eye on – Liverpool. In the far-flung future, they will need a successor for Virgil van Dijk. Jonathan Tah could be that for Liverpool. They are also on the table at this time,”
“I think the big advantage for Liverpool in the race for Tah is that the Premier League was always his big, big dream.”
“There will always be rumours linking him with a move to Newcastle. However, if Liverpool were to knock on his door, there’s perhaps a big chance that he’ll be playing in the Premier League next season.”
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The 28-year-old centre-back, who sought a new home at Leverkusen from Hamburger SV in the summer of 2015, has made over ‘350’ appearances for the club with his dominant physical opposition defence.He has also made 30 appearances for the national team and is one of the most highly rated defenders in Germany.
With his current contract expiring in June 2025, a move to Bayern Munich seemed likely during the summer transfer window, but negotiations were not concluded. As he is not willing to extend his contract with Leverkusen, it is increasingly likely that he will be a free transfer next summer.
It would be great for Liverpool to have an experienced and talented player in the Bundesliga, but the age of the Dutch defender’s successor is questionable. As he will turn 29 next February, he may only be a temporary backup.
He is also said to be keen on a move to the absolute champions of Germany and will be difficult to persuade. It seems unlikely that Liverpool would be serious about a German centre-back.