The German talent on Liverpool's radar

One name Liverpool supporters could be hearing a lot more of in the coming months is Finn Jeltsch, the 20-year-old Stuttgart centre-back who has quietly built a formidable reputation in the Bundesliga this season. The Reds are reportedly eyeing a move in 2027, though they will need to fend off some serious competition if they want to get this one over the line.

Jeltsch made the move to Stuttgart from Nurnberg in February 2025, and the German club have already seen the value of that investment rise sharply. His development has been swift enough to earn him a maiden call-up to the senior Germany squad under Jurgen Klopp, which tells you everything you need to know about where this lad's ceiling might be. He did not make his full international debut during the latest break, but the recognition alone speaks to the regard in which he is held.

Catalan outlet Sport reported this week that Liverpool and Real Madrid are both prepared to pay around £42m for Jeltsch, which would represent a substantial profit on the roughly £7m Stuttgart paid to bring him to Baden-Württemberg. Barcelona are also said to be in the mix, with Hansi Flick reportedly keen to add another German prospect to his squad following the arrival of Karim Adeyemi this summer. This will not be a straightforward pursuit.

Where Jeltsch could fit at Anfield

Liverpool's interest in Jeltsch makes sense when you look at the defensive picture taking shape. Virgil van Dijk's contract is due to expire next summer, and whilst a short-term extension remains a possibility, the club are already planning for that transition. Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni have both been brought in as young talents with the future in mind, but adding Jeltsch to that group would give the Reds real depth and quality as they reshape the back line.

Joe Gomez is in the same contractual situation as Van Dijk, with his deal also set to run out next summer. That means two experienced centre-backs could potentially leave Anfield in the same window, which gives the recruitment team plenty to think about. Jeltsch, still only 20 and already a Bundesliga regular, would fit the profile of the forward-thinking defensive recruitment Liverpool have been pursuing.

Chelsea pull ahead in the Scott chase

Whilst the Jeltsch story offers a degree of optimism, the news on Alex Scott is considerably less encouraging. According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have overtaken Liverpool in the race to sign the Bournemouth midfielder, with the Blues reportedly already in talks with Scott's camp about a move to Stamford Bridge.

Scott had been identified as a Liverpool midfield target for 2027, with that area of the squad expected to be a priority after being largely left alone in the summer window. Wataru Endo is set to leave on a free next summer, and there are ongoing questions around Alexis Mac Allister's future given reported outside interest, so the need for midfield reinforcement is clear. Dominik Szoboszlai is tied down on a long-term deal, but there are gaps to fill.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, appear to have softened their stance after Scott rejected a contract offer that would have made him the highest-paid player in the club's history. With only around 18 months left on his current deal, TEAMtalk report the south-coast club would accept around £100m to let him go. Whether Liverpool retain any interest as that situation develops remains to be seen, but right now Chelsea look to be firmly in the driving seat.

A busy winter taking shape

With January around the corner, the picture at Liverpool is one of cautious activity. Two wins from their last three Premier League matches have steadied the ship somewhat, and the focus behind the scenes appears firmly fixed on building for what could be a significant 2027 window. How the Jeltsch and Scott situations develop over the coming weeks will give a much clearer sense of the Reds' ambitions for that period.