There was a mixed reaction to Jurgen Klopp joining Red Bull earlier this month as ‘Global Head of Soccer’ but Liverpool‘s next generation could flourish as a result.
The Reds have had an affinity for Red Bull-reared stars in recent seasons – Sadio Mane, Ibrahima Konate, Naby Keita, Dominik Szoboszlai, Takumi Minamino, and Alex Manninger have all walked the caffeinated path.
With Klopp in his new job and his former assistant Pepijn Lijnders managing Red Bull Salzburg, that link appears set to strengthen.
Arne Slot is clearly getting on well with the Red Bull-honed stars, with Konate and Szoboszlai in solid form.
With that in mind, ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday night, Mail Sport looks at five players who could be on the Reds’ hit list.
Liverpool face Red Bull Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday night – but who could they snatch off them?
Jurgen Klopp was recently announced as the new ‘Global Head of Soccer’ for Red Bull
Lutsharel Geertruida
23-year-old Geertruida 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 is possibly destined for Real Madrid, while academy starlet Conor Bradley is still maturing.
A Dutch international, Geertruida can also play as a centre-back or central midfielder and is regularly praised for his physical attributes when featuring for the Austrian side.
Lutsharel Geertruida could be a long-term replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold if he goes
With Real Madrid chasing Alexander-Arnold, an oven-ready top-level full-back would be useful
Benjamin Sesko
Sesko, 21, is one of the most wanted strikers in Europe after four seasons of constant goals. Liverpool were first introduced to him in 2022 when he scored in a 1-0 friendly for Red Bull Salzburg over Klopp’s side.
Since then he has moved to Leipzig and last season scored 18 goals, firing them to fourth in the Bundesliga.
Manchester United were among the top clubs interested in his signature in the summer, though his valuation was estimated to be around £55million. Maybe one to get Darwin Nunez looking over his shoulder.
Benjamin Sesko has attracted interest from other giants and scored 18 goals last season
Xavi Simons
Simons, 21, shone for the Netherlands at Euro 2024 and it was no surprise after an outstanding year in Germany during which he registered 10 goals and 15 assists.
A graceful creator, Simons came through the academy at Barcelona before playing for PSG and PSV. He is now on loan for a second consecutive season in Leipzig from Paris.
His best-scoring season to date was in 2022-23 when he managed 22 for PSV and he has become a key player for the Netherlands, netting once and assisting twice at Euro 2024. Could the muti-faceted forward be the next Mohamed 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 lots of qualities with Mohamed Salah
Lois Openda
Openda, 24, is another striker who has been linked with Manchester United – perhaps that should be a red flag for Liverpool!
On a serious note, though, Openda has been quality for years. Last season was his most prolific, with 28 goals for Leipzig in all competitions.
The rapid striker, nicknamed Bouzou, has already proven himself against the highest calibre of English opposition, bagging three goals in two games versus 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 one to keep track of for the medium-term
Antonio Nusa
Nusa, 19, has only just joined Leipzig this summer so may be more of one to watch for the future.
Brentford almost signed the left winger from Brugge in January and Tottenham were also in talks to buy the Norway international.
He made his debut for Stabeak in his homeland aged 16 and worked with coach Gaute Larsen, who helped to develop Erling Haaland at Bryne. He already has 11 Norway caps.