Liverpool have started conversations with Hoffenheim regarding the summer transfer of Niklas Sule, reports German publication Bild (cited here in the Mirror).
The centre-back is 20-years-old and starts week in week out for the Bundesliga side, but despite being contracted until 2019, could be available with Hoffenheim battling relegated. If they were to go down, the Germany Under-21 captain would surely seek an exit, with Liverpool already in contact with his parent club regarding a deal.
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Jurgen Klopp’s side have already secured a deal for Schalke’s Joel Matip on a free transfer, but the German boss is reportedly targeting further defensive enforcements.
And following yesterday’s debacle against Southampton, it’s no surprise why. Martin Skrtel came on and proved that his days with us might be numbered, while Kolo Toure is unlikely to get his contract renewed before it expires in the summer.
If Skrtel and Toure are moved on, along with Steven Caulker and Tiago Ilori, Liverpool would still have Mamadou Sakho, Dejan Lovren, Joel Matip and the currently injured Joe Gomez as centre-back options – but Sule would complement that prospective roster.
He’s 6 ft. 2′, strong in the air and a proper tackler, although he can pass the football too. Sule’s undeniably a big talent – so it will be interesting to see if these reports prove to be correct and if so which of Liverpool’s current defenders Klopp’s willing to move on.