According to a recent report by the Express, Liverpool are lining up a move to secure the services of Kerem Demirbay from TSG Hoffenheim when the transfer window reopens in January. It is understood that Jurgen Klopp has been keeping tabs on his performances in the Bundesliga this season and could now try to lure him to Anfield to bolster his midfield options.
The Rapid Rise Of Kerem Demirbay
The Reds manager knows the player well from his time as the head coach of Borussia Dortmund where Demirbay was a youth prospect. However, the German international decided to move to Hamburg in search of more first-team opportunities in the summer of 2013. Since then, he has had loan spells at FC Kaiserslautern and Fortuna Düsseldorf before earning a transfer to Hoffenheim back in 2016.
The 25-year-old has managed to perform at a high level of late and has already put in some fantastic displays for the Bundesliga outfit during this campaign which has caught the watchful eyes of Klopp.
The German playmaker has featured in 10 matches for Hoffenheim this season and had three assists to his name across all competitions. He has also earned two international caps for the German national team and has scored one goal for his country so far.
What Will He Add To Klopp’s Team?
Demirbay is blessed with an incredible passing range and is an effective dribbler with the ball at his feet. He takes up some good positions in the opposition half and is quite accurate with his shots from range. However, the German prospect has found it hard to score goals on a regular basis from midfield while his defensive work-rate is also average at best.
Should The Reds Bring Him To Anfield?
The Hoffenheim sensation has also been plagued with injuries in recent times which will be a significant cause for concern against such a move. Liverpool needs to bring in a creative midfielder during the January transfer window but Demirbay may not the answer to their problems. The Reds should instead opt for a more proven talent who can chip in with goals from midfield.
The Merseyside heavyweights currently have a plethora of options at the centre of the park which includes the likes of James Milner, Jordan, Henderson, Fabinho, Georginio Wijnaldum and Naby Keita who can also play in Demirbay’s role. Thus, Klopp should look at a more attack-minded playmaker in January and opt against a move for the German international.
