Defensive frailty and lack of conversion have been troubling Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool since the previous international break as they have managed to win only once in seven outings and are receiving stern criticism for not doing enough transfer business in summer despite qualifying for the prestigious Champions League competition.
Their defence has been scrutinized time and again for lack of consistency, flaws, and vulnerability yet, Klopp did not show much eagerness to strengthen his backline that has been a priority all summer. Dutchman Virgil Van Dijk was his prime transfer target but the ex- Borussia Dortmund gaffer did not opt for an alternative after failing to land the central defender due to Southampton’s rigidity of keeping hold of their prized asset.
The Reds, however, are sweating on the future of Emre Can who only have a few months left on his current deal and has rejected several contract extension offers after failing to agree to terms. The German international might depart on a Bosman transfer next summer but Liverpool are already scouting other Bundesliga talents and are reportedly keen on Germany U17 international Kai Havertz who, coincidentally, plays for Can’s former side Bayer Leverkusen and has already made 32 appearances since his last-year debut at the age of 17.
Havertz is one of the brightest European prospects who is being monitored by several top Premier League outfits including Arsenal and Manchester United for past few months. Liverpool have reportedly joined the race after sending scouts to attend Germany U17s clash against Belarus on Wednesday.
The versatile midfielder did not disappoint at all as he netted four times in their 5-1 triumph and assisted the other one. He has scored 4 times in previous Bundesliga campaign and left his mark in Champions League despite missing out on the return leg fixture against Atletico Madrid as the date clashed with his school exams (Yes, really!).
He holds enormous potential and is being labelled as the next big thing in German football. Havertz can play in multiple midfield roles, strong with both of his feet and his game is being compared to the icons like Michael Ballack and Mesut Ozil as he views the later as his idol and the one he looks up to as a player.
A January move, however, looks unlikely but Leverkusen will find it hard to keep hold of him next summer unless the player himself turns down offers in order to keep on progressing with his current side like teammate Julian Brandt did by rejecting a summer move to Liverpool.
Havertz is currently enjoying enough first-team minutes with Bayer Leverkusen which will be hampered if he fancies a Premier League move next summer. Barring Emre Can, Liverpool already have the likes of Jordan Henderson, Goerginio Wijnaldum, Adam Lallana, Philippe Coutinho and RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita who will be joining them in July 2018.
Youngster Marko Grujic, despite showing promises in limited opportunities, is struggling to get enough opportunities in the middle of the park due to the presence of senior professionals. Yet, Havertz will be an asset for the Reds if he keeps his patience under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s German gaffer, who will be the right one to guide him to become one of the world’s greatest of football stars.
