Liverpool are said to be targeting a Bundesliga star once again to try and further strengthen their squad with another midfielder who has been excellent in the German football league.
Of course, Jurgen Klopp raided FC Bayern Munich last season to take Thiago Alcantara from the Allianz Arena and bring him to Anfield in a move which has not quite gone as fluidly as the reds and the midfielder would have initially liked.
Having impressed in his debut half against Chelsea in the Premier League, the Spain international has since had his campaign disrupted by a number of injuries and niggles that have meant the Reds’ faithful have had to wait a little longer than they would have liked to have seen him in action.
One man that they might not see much more of beyond the current season, though, is Georginio Wijnaldum, as the Dutch midfielder looks set to let his current contract run down and leave the club on a free transfer, with FC Barcelona thought to be a likely destination.
Therefore, Klopp and Liverpool have had to turn their attention elsewhere – and with things not going quite well for the defending Premier League champions – it seems they are ready to try and take advantage of that market as well.
Borussia Monchengladbach’s Denis Zakaria has been highlighted as a potential target, and it is hardly a surprise to see his name be mentioned as he is one of the strongest midfielders currently playing in the Bundesliga and a player that is popular with punters who continue to bet on football regularly when watching Bundesliga matches.
The Switzerland international is one of the best players to have featured in the Bundesliga in recent years, having made a serious impact for Gladbach, with the player continuing to see his performances go to another level with each display he makes for the side.
It is understood by the Daily Express, via Fichajes, that Klopp has been left impressed with what he has seen and it is believed that he wants the recruitment team and the sporting directors to try and make him the number one priority when Wijnaldum confirms he is to leave the club.
Indeed, Zakaria is seen as a potential successor to the Dutchman as he has a very similar style of play when on the pitch; a ‘box to box’ player that is capable of defending and attacking in equal measure. Furthermore, the fact that he is only 23 years old has only made the Swiss star all the more impressive.
However, that could work against them as well, with Borussia Monchengladbach likely to demand a huge price for his signature. The player is contracted for another 18 months – with his deal ending in the summer of 2022.
Despite having suffered a major injury, Zakaria looks to have overcome it and continues to be the best version of himself, which only further highlights why he could be seen as a top replacement for Wijnaldum, should he leave Anfield.
