Liverpool are reported to have sent scouts to watch Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Kai Havertz in the Germany U19s’ 5-1 win over Belarus.
Havertz scored four and assisted another as he captained Frank Kramer’s side to a European U19 Championship qualifier mauling on Wednesday.
The 18-year-old, who has established himself as a regular fixture for Leverkusen since the start of last season, caught the eye in a display of all-round quality.
Watching on were representatives from Merseyside, with Jurgen Klopp seemingly setting his sights on further reinforcements from the Bundesliga in the future.
According to the Mail, following up reports from elsewhere, Liverpool scouts were joined by their counterparts from Arsenal and Man United at the Ernest Pohl Stadium in Zabrze.
Havertz opened the scoring in the 17th minute, before adding another from open play in the second half, then sandwiching a goal from Arne Maier with two penalties.
This was only his third appearance for the U19s, after stepping up in August, underlining his enduring quality.
Given the calibre of clubs watching him in Poland, it is clear that Havertz is a talent worth keeping an eye on, and one who could be on Klopp’s radar in the January transfer window.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34zEq9FShEI
Havertz is a versatile midfielder who has drawn early comparisons to Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil, and his movement into space is certainly reminiscent of his compatriot.
But the teenager is a more energetic option than Ozil, an he is adept both with the ball at his feet and, standing at 6’1″, in the air.
Last season, he scored four goals and assisted a further seven in 31 games for Leverkusen, including three appearances in the Champions League.
Those came against Tottenham, CSKA Moscow and Atletico Madrid, where he played in central midfield, on the left and behind the striker respectively, highlighting his tactical flexibility.
This will no doubt endear Havertz to Klopp, who looks for his midfielders to take up a variety of different roles over the space of 90 minutes.
With the future of Emre Can still in doubt, it may be that the 50-year-old has looked to the No. 23’s successor at Leverkusen for a potential replacement at Anfield next summer.
Can is yet to agree an extension on a contract that expires at the end of June, with his representatives seeking a release clause, as well as parity with Liverpool’s highest earners.
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