The heir to Mo Salah, a teenager trained by Erling Haaland’s old mentor – and a potential Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement: The RB Leipzig stars who could be auditioning for a Liverpool move tonight
There was mixed reaction to Jurgen Klopp joining Red Bull as ‘Global Head of Soccer’ earlier this month, but Liverpool’s next generation could flourish as a result.
The Reds have had an affinity with Red Bull-raised stars in recent seasons. Sadio Mane, Ibrahima Konate, Naby Keita, Dominik Szoboszlai, Takumi Minamino and Alex Manninger have all taken the caffeinated path.
With Klopp in his new job and his former assistant Pepijn Lijnders as manager of Red Bull Salzburg, that link only seems to be getting stronger.
Arne Slot is clearly getting on well with the Red Bull stars, with Konate and Szoboszlai in solid form.
With that in mind, ahead of Liverpool’s visit to Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, Mail Sport looks at five players who could be on the Reds’ hit list.
Liverpool take on Red Bull Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, but who can they take away from them?
Jurgen Klopp was recently announced as the new ‘Global Head of Soccer’ for Red Bull
Lutsharel Geertruida
Geertruida, 23, is an obvious shout after winning the Eredivisie title with Feyenoord under Slot in 2022/23.
The right-back is a versatile option who could be a long-term replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who could be headed for Real Madrid, while youth star Conor Bradley is still maturing.
Geertruida, a Dutch international, can also play as a centre-back or central midfielder and is regularly praised for his physical attributes when playing for Austria.
Lutsharel Geertruida could be a long-term replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold if he leaves
With Real Madrid pursuing Alexander-Arnold, a top-level wing-back would be useful
Benjamin Sesko
Sesko, 21, is one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe after four seasons of consistent goalscoring. Liverpool first met him in 2022 when he scored in a 1-0 friendly for Red Bull Salzburg over Klopp’s side.
He has since moved to Leipzig and scored 18 goals last season, rocketing him to fourth in the Bundesliga.
Manchester United were among the top clubs interested in his signature this summer, although his valuation was estimated at around £55 million. Maybe one to get Darwin Nunez looking over his shoulder.
Benjamin Sesko has attracted interest from other giants, scoring 18 goals last season
Xavi Simons
Simons, 21, starred for the Netherlands at Euro 2024, which was no surprise after an excellent year in Germany in which he recorded 10 goals and 15 assists.
A graceful creator, Simons came through Barcelona’s academy before playing for PSG and PSV. He is now on loan to Leipzig from Paris for the second season in a row.
His best scoring season to date came in 2022/23, when he scored 22 times for PSV and has become a key player for the Netherlands, scoring once and assisting twice at the 2024 European Championship. Could the versatile forward be the next Mohamed Could be Salah?
Xavi Simons has lit up the stage for Leipzig, PSG and PSV after graduating from Barcelona
Despite not playing in the same position, Simons shares many qualities with Mohamed Salah
Lois Openda
Openda, 24, is another striker linked with Manchester United – perhaps that should be a red flag for Liverpool!
But seriously: Openda has been quality for years. Last season was his most productive, with 28 goals for Leipzig in all competitions.
The speedy striker, nicknamed Bouzou, has already proven himself against the highest caliber of English opposition, scoring three goals in two games against Manchester City in the Champions League last season.
Lois Openda was Leipzig’s top scorer last season with 18 goals in all competitions
Young Norwegian international Antonio Nusa is someone to keep an eye on in the medium term
Antonio Nusa
19-year-old Nusa has only just joined Leipzig this summer, so this could be someone to look out for for the future.
Brentford almost signed the left winger from Bruges in January and Tottenham were also in talks to buy the Norwegian international.
He made his debut for Stabeak in his homeland at the age of 16, working with coach Gaute Larsen, who helped develop Erling Haaland at Bryne. He already has eleven Norwegian caps to his name.