Liverpool could “potentially” make a move for Bayern Munich holding midfielder Joshua Kimmich, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
The German, who has been capped 82 times by his country, is said to be unsettled at Bayern after falling out with manager Thomas Tuchel. There has been speculation in recent days that Chelsea could be the team to snap him up but Jacobs says that Jurgen Klopp’s side and Manchester United are more likely suitors:
“I’m not aware of Kimmich and Chelsea even though I’ve seen some of the links out there. From the perspective of Chelsea, the profile of the player isn’t what they’re looking for at the moment, he’s 28.”
“I know he’s versatile but I was always told that the clubs that were looking at Kimmich were more potentially Liverpool, although nothing advanced, or Manchester United, but I haven’t heard of anything advanced with Kimmich and Chelsea.”
Could Liverpool make a move for Kimmich?
A couple of factors have been cited to explain the Reds’ interest in the 28-year-old. Jurgen Klopp is likely to be a huge fan of his fellow countryman and there is room in the squad for another No.6.
However, the reason why Kimmich is not currently in favour at Bayern is due to Tuchel’s belief that he can’t play as the lone holding midfielder. That is the exact role he could be asked to play if he made the switch to Anfield.
Kimmich could be deployed as an inverted fullback
While the No.6 role may not suit the German international, there is another position where he could slot into Liverpool’s starting eleven.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been deployed as an inverted fullback on the right-hand side over the past 9 months and, if he does move into midfield on a permanent basis, a replacement would be needed.
Kimmich started out as a right-back but he is equally comfortable playing in midfield so it could be the ideal fit for both the player and Liverpool.
Watch a preview of Liverpool’s plans for the January transfer window on Shots!TV here