Jonathan Tah, Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Jurgen Klopp considering January move for German centre-back Jonathan Tah – report

Bayer Leverkusen’s talented young centre-back Jonathan Tah is reportedly on Jurgen Klopp‘s radar ahead of the January transfer window.

Klopp has settled on Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip as his first-choice central pairing so far this season, with the latter particularly impressive following his summer move from Schalke 04.

However, with seemingly no future for Mamadou Sakho and Tiago Ilori at the club, and fourth-choice Lucas Leiva in then final year of his contract with no sign of an extension, Klopp could be planning for the future.

Matip is poised for a key role in the long term, with Lovren also now settled on Merseyside, while Joe Gomez‘s return from an ACL injury should see him come back into the fold.

But according to the Mirror, Klopp is still on the lookout for another centre-back in the winter.

The 49-year-old’s priority in the regard is said to be Tah, who has emerged as one of Europe’s finest young defensive talents since his senior debut in 2013.

Tah, a broad, 6’3″ brute who possesses a keen perception and nuanced ball-playing abilities, is primed for a bright future for both club and country.

He has already amassed 54 Bundesliga appearances with Hamburger SV and Leverkusen, as well as two caps for Germany.

Primed to develop into a world-class centre-back, Tah would be a great long-term partner for Matip.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, October 17, 2016: Liverpool's Joel Matip in action against Manchester United during the FA Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Whether reports are to be believed, however, is questionable, with Tah only one year into a new five-year contract with Leverkusen and Klopp clearly backing both Matip and Lovren.

With the Mirror also linking the Reds with a move for Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw this weekend, the veracity of their claims is undermined.

Nevertheless, if Klopp is looking to add another centre-back to his ranks, Tah would be the ideal signing.

Already boasting considerable experience despite his youth, Tah should be able to adapt quickly to the rigours of the Premier League, while Klopp will no doubt be familiar with his talents.

He was on the bench for both of Hamburger’s clashes with Klopp’s Borussia Dortmund side in 2013/14, but made 16 appearances in the German top flight that season.

If there is a possibility of Liverpool signing Tah, they should definitely pursue it.

More from This Is Anfield

Fan Comments