By OkayGoal
Finn Jeltsch is now a three-club transfer story, with Barcelona planning a January move for the Stuttgart defender and Liverpool lined up to pounce if they fail.
The 20-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the Bundesliga over the past 12 months, and his continued excellence in the Champions League this season has attracted several elite European clubs. Barcelona are actively monitoring the market for young players with elite potential under sporting director Deco, and Jeltsch has emerged as a primary target.
According to Sport, manager Hansi Flick has personally given the green light to pursue him. The German coach knows the Bundesliga inside out and reportedly values the defender’s ability to operate in a high defensive line, as well as his recovery pace in open spaces.
Finn Jeltsch transfer: Barcelona test Stuttgart in January?
A summer move was initially anticipated, but sources suggest Barcelona could try to test Stuttgart’s resolve when the January window opens. Any mid-season deal will be extremely complicated, though. The German club are expected to demand around €60m (£50.3m) for their prized asset.
Liverpool and Real Madrid wait in the wings
If Barcelona fail to stump up the cash, both the Reds and Real Madrid are poised to pounce. Madrid are desperately searching for defensive reinforcements after acknowledging that Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao are no longer reliable long-term options.
Meanwhile, Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola is believed to view Jeltsch as a crucial piece of his succession planning at Anfield. The Merseyside club are reportedly willing to meet Stuttgart’s valuation as they look for a long-term Virgil van Dijk replacement.
Is centre-back the Liverpool priority?
It is a position the club keep returning to. Liverpool have already been linked with Brighton’s 19-year-old defender Luka Vuskovic, who is in the same price bracket, and they are also weighing up their January midfield shortlist. Our look at the Liverpool right-back problem shows how thinly the squad is stretched.
Author opinion
A £50.3m fee for a 20-year-old is a lot, but it is the going rate for young defenders with Champions League minutes. Barcelona have the head start with Flick’s backing, yet the money looks like their obstacle. If they stall, Liverpool, who are reportedly ready to match the valuation, could be the ones to take advantage.