Liverpool manager Arne Slott are looking to sign a new defensive midfielder and a new target who could cost £34m is now moving up his options list, according to a recent report.
Slot is still watching the midfielder
The Reds continue to set the pace at the top Premier League table, justifying Sloto’s decision to stick with Ryan Gravenberch in the middle of the park after missing out on Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, who now appears set to join Arsenal.
However, the Premier League leaders remain interested in signing a new central midfielder, either this month or at the end of the season, and Wolverhampton Wanderers Joao Gomes is now shortlisted.
Joshua Kimmichthe versatile midfielder who can also play right-back is another player the Merseyside club are considering, given that he will be a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Connected
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Slot are looking to bring in a defensive midfielder in the summer, meaning Kimmich could be a solid option, but now a new target has entered the picture. Liverpool are now monitoring VfB Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stillerwho has followed his performances closely over the past few weeks, and is now starting to rise up the list of targets.
However, Stuttgart have no intention of letting Stiller leave and are currently trying to renew his contract, but if a deal is not reached they will be forced to listen to offers in the summer.
The German club would be willing to entertain offers in the region of €40m (£34m) at the end of the season, and there could be plenty of offers to deal with as many European clubs are interested in his signature after he added two more assists to his tally in big win against Freiburg on Saturday.
What Stiller could offer Liverpool
In his career so far, he is a member of the German national team mainly highlighted in the role of a defensive midfielder, but he is also capable of creating chances, which is shown by the fact that he registered five assists in the Bundesliga last season, and now has four this season.
Associates from Liverpool target Kimmich praised his compatriot earlier this season, describing him as “technically strong”, while also praising him for his “good passing ability”.
The 23-year-old’s ability in possession is perhaps his best attribute, ranking in the 97 pass attempt percentile at 90 over the past year, and 96th percentile for progressive passes, compared to his peers at the position.
The only slight doubt about signing the German is the fact that he isn’t particularly highly rated for interceptions and tackles, so if Slot wants a midfielder who specializes in defence, it’s probably best to consider different options.
However, Stiller is still young and has plenty of time to develop his game, so he could prove to be a great signing for the Reds if they make a move for him this summer.
