Anton Stach in action with Bayer Leverkusen's Mitchel Bakker
Liverpool have reportedly scouted Mainz midfielder Anton Stach ahead of a potential move this summer.
The Lowdown: Bellingham unrealistic?
Liverpool’s primary midfield target for this summer remains Borussia Dortmund and England star Jude Bellingham, but it is looking less and less likely that they will be able to sign him.
After the 5-2 thumping at home to Real Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie, the Reds face an almighty battle to turn the tie around in the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.
They are also currently seven points off of the top four places in the Premier League, albeit with two games in hand, and are at major risk of missing out on Champions League qualification for next season.
If they do not qualify, Bellingham may look elsewhere in terms of a move, which would force the Merseyside club to look at other targets.
The Latest: Stach scouted
Writing in his latest piece for 90min, transfer expert Graeme Bailey says that Liverpool are one of a number of teams that have sent scouts to watch Stach in action in 2023, along with Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.
The 6 foot 4 Germany international is primarily a defensive midfielder, but is also capable of playing as an eight or a ten.
The Verdict: Needed
Liverpool’s midfield has been criticised virtually all season, and so a major refresh is needed in the middle of the park.
At 24 years of age, Stach has not hit his prime yet, but has still been one of the best-performing midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year.
The six-foot-four colossus ranks in the top 20% for a number of key metrics, including shots, assists, progressive carries, successful take-ons, touches, interceptions and aerials won per game.
Nonetheless, he would be a shrewd buy for next season, hopefully alongside Bellingham, and not instead of.
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