Liverpool are keeping tabs on Augsburg left-back, Max Philipp. It is understood that the Reds are among four Premier League clubs monitoring the German international. Along with the Merseysiders, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also reported to be tracking Philipp who recently earned a silver medal as part of the German national team that took part in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. His performances for Augsburg has been impressive in the Bundesliga this season which has seen him bag one goal and make 8 assists in 16 appearances so far.
The Bundesliga defender is also being touted to start for the German national team when the 2018 FIFA World Cup kicks off next year. He has been consistent for Augsburg in this campaign and the sheer number of assists from his full-back role is something Germany’s head coach Joachim Löw will be keeping a keen eye on.
Philipp is highly versatile and can even play a more advanced role on the left side of midfield. Some reports claim that Everton has sent scouts to watch him in action and has joined in on the hunt to secure his services. The defender’s contract has been recently extended until 2022 so his market value is increasing with each day as clubs are lining up for his signature.
Liverpool are in dire need of defensive reinforcements and Philipp could be a good addition if they manage to recruit him in the near future with Alberto Moreno so far being far too inconsistent and Andrew Robertson still getting used to life in Merseyside.
The Reds have conceded 20 goals in 16 Premier League matches, which has seen them slip up time and time again and it is mostly down to their defensive shortcomings. Jurgen Klopp may look to address some of the frailties in the January transfer window and bringing in a new centre-back will be at the top of his wish-list.
However, a change in the left-back position might not be the most important priority for the Liverpool boss going into the transfer market with Alberto Moreno’s improved displays in that role this year while Andrew Robertson has also put in a few impressive performances. The Reds even have James Milner in their ranks to fill in if need be so an approach for Philipp in January seems a bit unlikely.
Although, a summer move might be something that Jurgen Klopp will fancy but his price is bound to go up as well with more competition in the race for his signature.
It remains to be seen if FC Augsburg decides to part ways with their prized asset in the near future and how much they get compensated in return.
