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Tag: Jonathan Tah

Liverpool set to sign 140-goal striker and £65m defensive pair in ideal starting XI if transfer rumors are accurate

Liverpool are gearing up for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur as the transfer deadline nears. The significance of their 2-0 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday was further emphasized on Sunday when Arsenal triumphed over Manchester City 5-1, almost ending City’s title hopes.

The Reds remain six points ahead of the Gunners, with one game in hand, as they shift their focus to domestic cup competitions. Next up is the Carabao Cup clash with Spurs, where Liverpool aims to overcome a 1-0 deficit from the first leg. After that, they will travel to Plymouth Argyle for their FA Cup fourth-round match.

While Liverpool aren’t expected to have a busy transfer deadline day, with a focus on loan moves for some younger players, the club has still been linked with some notable signings. Below, we present what Arne Slot’s starting XI might look like if recent transfer rumors hold true.

Defensive duo worth £65m join

Two players reportedly linked to Liverpool during the January transfer window are Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez. Both positions are areas the Reds need to strengthen. Since Joel Matip’s departure from Anfield and eventual retirement, Liverpool has yet to fill that gap in the defense.

Kerkez is valued at £40m, while Tah is priced at £25m, although his value could rise given his contract is nearing its end. The German defender has also caught the eye of top Spanish clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid. Arne Slot spoke highly of Tah after Liverpool’s 4-0 Champions League win over Bayer Leverkusen, stating, “I think Tah, who is a real good defender and is one of the best defenders in Germany… maybe the best defender in Germany, maybe likes to play more against a target man, someone who’s there in the middle.” On Kerkez, Slot commented after Liverpool’s win over Bournemouth, “I don’t think I have to talk about players that we are interested in, let alone a player from Bournemouth. He’s playing over here, he’s having a great season as many, many, many other players here are as well.”

Prolific striker joins on bargain deal

Lille striker Jonathan David, another player Liverpool faced in the Champions League this season, is also in the final months of his contract. Like Tah, he can negotiate a pre-contract agreement with Liverpool. David was close to joining Bayern Munich last summer but cannot engage in talks with them since both teams play in the Bundesliga.

David, a prolific striker, has attracted attention from multiple Premier League clubs, with reports suggesting that Liverpool had a £10m bid rejected for him as they look for a more affordable deal. The 24-year-old has scored 103 goals in 215 games for Lille after netting 37 goals in 83 appearances for KAA Gent.

If these transfer rumors are accurate, Liverpool’s dream starting XI would look like this: Alisson; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Jonathan Tah, Milos Kerkez; Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai; Cody Gakpo, Jonathan David, Mo Salah.

February 3, 2025
Liverpool handed a golden opportunity to acquire Leverkusen star for free as Bayern Munich suggests interest

Jonathan Tah has been linked with moves to Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona.

Liverpool is one of the clubs seriously considering an approach to sign Jonathan Tah next summer, following the defender’s confirmation that he plans to leave Bayer Leverkusen as a free agent in 2025. However, Liverpool will face competition from Bayern Munich, as both clubs vie for his signature after a significant revelation.

Tah is considered one of the top defenders in the Bundesliga and had an exceptional season under Xabi Alonso, contributing to Leverkusen’s first-ever Bundesliga title in their 120-year history. Playing in a three-man defense, Tah established a formidable partnership with Edmund Tapsoba and either Odilon Kossounou, Josip Stanisic, or Piero Hincapie, as Leverkusen’s defense was breached only 24 times in 34 matches.

Since that title-winning season, both Kossounou and Stanisic have departed, moving to Atalanta and Bayern Munich, respectively.

Despite summer interest in both Tah and Tapsoba, neither player left, and both will again play key roles in Alonso’s effort to defend their title.

Interest in the 28-year-old German defender Tah has been substantial. Barcelona and Bayern Munich both approached his agent about a potential summer transfer, but neither club proceeded with an official bid after learning of Leverkusen’s asking price.

Tah has now confirmed his intention to leave BayArena in 2025, as his contract expires next summer and he is eager for a new major challenge. Unless Leverkusen can secure a transfer deal for him in the winter window, he is likely to depart as a free agent next summer.

Tah affirms desire to depart Leverkusen as Liverpool lie low

While on international duty, Tah told SZ: “No, my decision is as clear as before. I will not renew my contract for professional reasons.

“I still have a contract until 2025 and until then I will give everything for Leverkusen. A football career is short and that is why I have always had the idea of making the most of it. I simply want to exploit the potential that exists in my career. And in the summer I had the feeling that now is the time to look at something new, right now, after such a successful season.

“I have been at Leverkusen for nine years, I have experienced all the ups and downs here and the highlight was the fantastic last season in which we won almost everything. It couldn’t have been better. And so I thought: if I renew my contract at Leverkusen now, at 28, that means I will play here until I am 30 or 40 years old.”

As a result of Tah’s confirmation to leave, Liverpool has been strongly linked with the defender, as Arne Slot seeks a long-term replacement for Joel Matip, with Virgil van Dijk, 33, also approaching the final 10 months of his contract at Anfield.

Barcelona is also expected to renew their interest, encouraged by the opportunity to sign one of their major summer 2024 targets on a free transfer.

However, the most significant challenge may come from Bayern Munich, who have already made a strong approach for Tah this summer.

Asked about the possibility of joining Vincent Kompany’s side next season, Tah did not dismiss the idea.

“That’s a good question. We’ll see. I’m not thinking about it yet. I have a season ahead of me with Bayer Leverkusen.

“There were other offers [this summer], not just from Bayern.

“I like playing at Leverkusen, but I would have liked everything to be as rational as possible and not have had so many emotions involved.”

September 7, 2024
Following recent events, Joel Matip may now assist Liverpool in signing a “dominant” defender this summer.

After Arne Slot was appointed, Liverpool’s summer transfer market is still waiting to begin.

With no new faces to introduce to their supporters on the other side of the Atlantic, the Reds have officially begun their preseason tour of the United States.

With little movement in the window, Arne Slot’s new dawn at Anfield will provide many questions about what is to come over the following few months.

Saudi Arabia has shown interest in Virgil van Dijk, which puts his future at Liverpool in jeopardy.

But the Reds might already be considering his replacement and might even recruit the aid of one of their former stars to help get a trade through.

Liverpool may sign a defensive target with Joel Matip’s assistance.

Joel Matip’s time on the Merseyside team ended at the end of the 2023–2024 season, and he left Liverpool.

Matip does not yet have a club, but that may soon change as there is interest in signing the Cameroonian international.

Matip and Bundesliga winners Bayer Leverkusen are currently in talks as the free agent searches for his future team.

And as the Reds look to bolster their own defence in the upcoming weeks, this is something that may truly help.

Jonathan Tah, a centre back for Leverkusen, is a target for Liverpool and may be moving this summer.

This summer, the German defender has drawn a lot of attention, with Manchester United being strongly linked.

The Bundesliga champion’s hold on Tah might, however, be loosened if Matip were to go to Leverkusen this summer.

Liverpool may have an opening to go for the “dominant” Tah if Matip signs with Xabi Alonso’s team.

Given that Leverkusen may sign an experienced defender, they might be more open to talking about their 28-year-old player leaving, considering he just has one year left on his deal.

Liverpool may lose even more defenders in the future.

Given that Matip left the Reds at the end of the previous season, there may be a significant turnover at the back this summer.

There are several current Liverpool defenders besides Van Dijk who might be planning to follow Matip out of Anfield.

With just one year left on his contract with the Reds, Trent Alexander-Arnold is also attracting interest from Real Madrid.

Liverpool supporters will be crossing their fingers that their greatest stars do not follow suit in the wake of the recent loss of Jurgen Klopp.

They might, however, make a significant signing this summer in Tah, a defender who was instrumental in Leverkusen’s incredible 2023–24 campaign.

July 25, 2024
Wishlist for Liverpool’s January 2024 transfer window

In the winter transfer window, Liverpool may search for another holding midfield player.
Wataru Endo in the Asian Cup and Mohamed Salah at the AFCON early in the following year will be absent for the Reds.
Given Joel Matip’s season-ending injury, Jurgen Klopp might request defence reinforcements.

Liverpool spent their summer rebuilding their midfield and were busy bees during the previous transfer window.

The Reds are currently in a very strong position in both the Premier League and the Europa League as a result of some wise transactions; they may be recovering surprisingly quickly after a disappointing 2022–2023 season.

But there’s still room for improvement for Jurgen Klopp’s team, particularly as the injuries start to mount. Liverpool added four new players in the summer, but if they don’t add any more players in January, they risk falling behind Europe’s best teams.

The Reds may want to focus on strengthening here this winter.

Defensive midfield

Even while the Reds did invest almost £150 million on new midfield players during the most recent transfer window, it still seems like Klopp could use another in the holding position. This season, Alexis Mac Allister has been utilised primarily in the defensive midfield position; the experiment has yielded mixed results.

Although Wataru Endo, 30, has had a generally successful start to his Liverpool career, it is evident that he was signed as a rotation option for Klopp.

Given that last summer’s attempts to sign Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia failed, Klopp may be eager to add a youthful and talented holding midfield player to his team. Even though Stefan Bajcetic is presently sidelined with an injury, the Merseyside club may not be ready for him to play on a regular basis just yet.

Key targets

The 22-year-old Andre, a midfielder for Fluminense, is still a major target for Liverpool despite frequent links between the two teams. But the Copa Libertadores winner is also wanted by Arsenal and Fulham, so a move to Anfield is unlikely.

Archie Grey, a 17-year-old Leeds United star, has been heavily linked to Liverpool; however, 90min knows the Whites are not eager to sell.

Another name that is high on Liverpool’s wish list is Joao Neves. In early November, the Reds sent scouts to watch the 19-year-old midfielder for Benfica.

Key targets

Lucas Beraldo, a 20-year-old centre back for Sao Paulo who had made an impression in Brazil, was mentioned as a potential January transfer target for the Reds. But it appears like Paris Saint-Germain has signed him before them.

Goncalo Inacio, 22, a defender for Sporting CP who excelled in Portugal, has long been admired by Liverpool. The five-cap Portugal international is being watched by scouts from the Reds, although Real Madrid is vying for his talents.

Given Matip’s injury, Liverpool, who signed three players from the Bundesliga last summer, would want to add another this January. Jonathan Tah is one such player.

Attacking reinforcements

Liverpool has an extremely talented offensive group, but this season its strikers have not always lived up to expectations. With Diogo Jota sidelined and Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, and Cody Gakpo finding it difficult to be consistent, Mohamed Salah has been under a lot of pressure to score goals.

Given that the Egyptian winger is thirty-one years old, a succession plan needs to be developed quickly. Ben Doak, a young player who has been on the sidelines, is about to have surgery, so Klopp would be anxious to make sure he has enough choices up top to keep his players fresh.

Key targets

Johan Bakayoko of PSV Eindhoven is a winger; the 20-year-old Belgian has caught the attention of the Reds following some strong performances in the Eredivisie and throughout Europe. Liverpool may have to contend with Brentford for his services.

Liverpool has long been interested in Borussia Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko, who is expected to push for a loan move in January in an attempt to reach the Germany squad for Euro 2024. Even though bolstering the offence isn’t the top priority this winter, Klopp, who hasn’t signed a player from his former team, might be able to call in some favours.

December 26, 2023
Liverpool should go for these five centre backs in January following Joel Matip’s injury setback

Following Joel Matip’s season-ending injury, Liverpool needs to have a strategy in place before the January transfer window opens.

Liverpool, who are presently leading the Premier League, will be looking to defend their crown and possibly win the competition outright. To defeat Manchester City and Arsenal and win the championship, they will obviously need to fill some holes in the team.

Liverpool needs to look to spend during the January transfer window on a top-notch centre defender. They cannot expect to play the second half of the season with just Joe Gomez, Virgil Van Dijk, and Ibrahima Konate as their only dependable central defenders because Joel Matip will be out for the remainder of the campaign due to an anterior cruciate ligament rupture.

Furthermore, Liverpool cannot afford to abuse Konate and Gomez due to their questionable fitness records. In light of this, The Hard Tackle examines five defenders that Liverpool ought to try to sign during the next transfer window.

Goncalo Inacio

This 22-year-old Sporting CP defender has been linked to a move to the Premier League, and other teams including Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester United, and Real Madrid have also expressed interest in him.

The Portuguese international, whose contract with Sporting CP has a €60 million release clause, would be the perfect defensive addition for Liverpool. Both a centre defender and a left back can be used by the 22-year-old.

He is the kind of adaptable central defender that Liverpool needs, and if necessary, he can also play in place of Andrew Robertson. However, the Merseyside team’s task of defeating teams like Chelsea, Manchester United, and Real Madrid will be difficult.

Jonathan Tah

The 27-year-old German international has established himself in the Bundesliga over the years, and Liverpool may find him to be a worthwhile addition. Tottenham, Chelsea, and Manchester United are also monitoring him.

The 27-year-old could end up being a wise addition because he possesses the physicality needed to thrive in English football. But since Bayer Leverkusen is vying for the championship in their own league, it is unlikely that they will allow him to leave in January.

The German international is a cheap target because he won’t set you back a bomb. However, given Bayer Leverkusen’s place in the Bundesliga, Liverpool might have to wait until the end of the campaign to sign someone like him.

Since Tah is currently at the height of his profession, he will want to push himself to the limit. He would advance in his career and have the opportunity to show off his skills in the Premier League if he joined Liverpool.

Lucas Beraldo

The 20-year-old Brazilian defender is well-liked in his native country and has been connected to several Premier League teams. Players in the Brazilian Serie A have an easy time moving in January because the league’s seasons run the full calendar year.

Without a question, Beraldo is a gifted young player with a bright future ahead of him. However, he is an unproven alternative, and Liverpool need a Premier League player who can go in and immediately make an impact.

The Reds would be wise to get him in the long run, and he might even end up being a good deal. The Merseyside team ought to prioritise aiming for more reputable choices in European football, though.

Maxence Lacroix

Liverpool has been keeping an eye on the VfL Wolfsburg defender for a while now. The Reds have reportedly been watching the Frenchman this season because boss Jurgen Klopp is an admirer of him.

Given that Wolfsburg is positioned in the middle of the table, making a play for Lacroix in January might make sense. He will find it fascinating to have the chance to join the Premier League team, and he will probably be tempted. Both in the short and long terms, he might be Joel Matip’s perfect replacement.

Jean-Clair Todibo

In recent weeks, teams like Manchester United and Tottenham have been linked to the 23-year-old French international defender. For the French team OGC Nice, he has been exceptional, and the Premier League clubs have taken notice of his performances. He might be a good Matip substitute for Liverpool.

With coaching and experience, the former Barcelona defender should be able to perform well in the Premier League because of his technical and physical skills. It can be difficult to decline the chance to sign with a major Premier League team, and the player will probably be drawn to the prospect of playing at Anfield.

Playing with Konate will only increase Todibo’s prospects of becoming a regular starter for the French national team, which is something he will want to accomplish in the meanwhile. It could be challenging to usurp Virgil van Dijk, though.

It’s unclear who Liverpool ends up with, as all four defenders—aside from Inacio—may be available in the coming months at inexpensive costs. For most players, they are a desirable destination that also fits their style of play.

Lacroix, Todibo, Inacio, Tah, and Beraldo are all excellent with the ball at their feet, and their ability to distribute the ball from the back makes them a great substitute for Joel Matip, who was a fantastic with his passing from the back

December 12, 2023