Liverpool’s new head coach Arne Slot is reportedly targeting three Bundesliga players during the summer transfer window.
Liverpool‘s new head coach Arne Slot is reportedly targeting three Bundesliga players during the summer transfer window.
The Reds are yet to complete their first signing since Slot’s appointment was confirmed at the beginning of June, but Joel Matip, Thiago Alcantara, Adrian and Calvin Ramsey have all departed the club, the latter joining Wigan Athletic on loan.
Liverpool are expected to delve into the transfer market for reinforcements in central defence and centre-midfield now that both Matip and Thiago – two first-team regulars under Jurgen Klopp prior to their injury concerns – have left Anfield.
A host of players from across the globe have been linked with a summer switch to the red side of Merseyside, including RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan.
However, it is understood that Liverpool are keen to recruit three other Bundesliga stars ahead of the 2024-25 season.
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Kimmich, Frimpong, Malen all wanted by Liverpool
According to German news outlet Bild, via the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool are targeting moves for Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich, Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong and Borussia Dortmund‘s attacker Donyell Malen.
All three players represented their country at Euro 2024, with Kimmich playing for hosts Germany while both Frimpong and Malen strutted their stuff for the Netherlands.
Kimmich is believed to be facing an uncertain future at Bayern having now entered the final year of his contract, with there being no signs of an extension any time soon.
The 29-year-old has spent the last nine seasons at the Allianz Arena, making 390 appearances and winning 20 trophies, and it is now thought that he is open to a fresh challenge elsewhere.
Liverpool would likely face stern competition for Kimmich’s signature, though, as the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Barcelona have also been credited with an interest.
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Frimpong, Malen linked with summer exits
While Kimmich is a versatile player who can operate as either a midfielder or a right-back, Leverkusen star Frimpong has established himself as one of the best attack-minded wing-backs in Europe under the tutelage of Xabi Alonso.
The 23-year-old scored 14 goals and provided 12 assists in 47 games for Leverkusen last season and played a key role in helping the German club win their first-ever Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal, as well as reach the Europa League final.
A recent report claims that Liverpool boss Slot has made direct contact with Frimpong regarding a move to Anfield this summer, but it remains unknown as to whether the £34m-rated defender would be interested in leaving Leverkusen.
Malen, meanwhile, has been tipped to leave Borussia Dortmund, where he has contributed with 34 goals and 19 assists in 111 games across all competitions over the last three seasons.
The 25-year-old versatile forward spent time in Arsenal‘s academy system and admitted earlier this year that it would be “a dream to play in the Premier League” at some stage in his career.