Liverpool, under Jurgen Klopp, have produced a steady inception of their new campaign. They have secured a comfortable win against Bundesliga outfit TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in UEFA Champions League playoffs and progressed through to the group stages of the prestigious competition.
Despite promises of a high spending transfer window, Liverpool have struggled to snap up their key transfer targets that include Naby Keita and Virgil Van Dijk. Wantaway Brazilian Philippe Coutinho’s unwillingness to play for the Reds amidst interest from Barcelona as well as Englishman Adam Lallana’s long-term injury have enfeebled their midfield and RB Leipzig’s rigidity to keep hold of Keita made things even more difficult for the Merseysiders. The defense has been a major concern since past few campaigns and their error-prone back-line, as a result, needs serious reinforcement. Dutchman Virgil Van Dijk is viewed as Liverpool’s defensive solution, but the Southampton centre-back has been forced to stay at St. Marys and the Saints are proving to be tough to negotiate despite the Dutch international’s transfer request.
Midfield, however, can still be sorted out if Liverpool stick to their words and retain Coutinho for the ongoing campaign. Lallana’s return (within next two months) will bolster them further in the middle of the park. But even if they fail to land Van Dijk before the deadline, Klopp needs to explore options in such a difficult transfer window. The reports of veteran Germany and Schalke 04 defender Benedikt Höwedes’ availability for €20 mil has excited the Reds fans who are willing to have him as Van Dijk’s alternative.
Liverpool have a quality centre-back in form of Joel Matip. But Dejan Lovren, his defensive partner, has been vulnerable since the beginning of this new campaign and Ragnar Klavan, although had a promising outing against Crystal Palace, has a sporadic role in the squad and can not be considered as a first choice option for Champions League. Mamadou Sakho has been exiled by the gaffer and will be transferred out before 31st August’s deadline whereas, teenager Joe Gomez is too young to step up and perform persistently in elite competitions.
The 29-year-old German international is vastly experienced for both his club and country and played a key role in Germany’s 2014 World Cup triumph. Howedes, predominantly a central defender, played at left-back in the competition that signifies his versatility. Also, he is strong in the air, has a good sense of positioning and has partnered Matip for years during his time at Schalke.
Howedes, however, has ensured his commitment to his boyhood club but kept his options open for near future.
“I’ve always said that I would exclude a change within the league, but I can imagine a transfer outside the country.
“But the time for that, as of today, has not arrived.”
The defender told Funke Mediengruppe when asked about his status at Schalke.
Although a deal looks unlikely, Reds must keep on pursuing the German professional and Klopp’s influence might lure him to travel to Anfield with a view to experience Premier League football.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gs1o4xYZ7bU
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