Liverpool look set to make their third Bundesliga signing of the summer after reportedly agreeing a fee with Cologne for the transfer of Germany international Jonas Hector.
After completing deals for centre-back Joel Matip and goalkeeper Loris Karius, Jurgen Klopp is set to continue his squad overhaul with yet another Bundesliga signing. According to a report in This is Anfield, the two clubs have come to an agreement for a fee that is believed to be in the region of £12 million. Cologne have been aware of the fact that there in increasing interest from big clubs in Europe for Hector, evidenced by their purchase of left-back Filip Mladenovic in the January transfer window.
With the negotiations between the two clubs at an advanced stage, Liverpool are believed to be clear favourites for securing the signature of the German left-back. Hector has been a regular feature in the Cologne team, making 32 appearances for the club last season and even captaining the team in their final home game of the season. The 26-year-old has also managed to become a key component of the German national team by becoming a regular starter for Joachim Loew.
Hector faces the daunting task of filling in the void left by the retirement of the legendary fullback Philipp Lahm. The German international has represented his country 13 times, and Euro 2016 will be his first opportunity to represent his team in a major tournament. Jonas Hector also clinched the Fans’ Player of the Year award in 2013/14 with Cologne, which shows his popularity amongst the club’s fans and his importance to the team.
Jonas Hector could be a perfect fit for Jurgen Klopp
One of the reasons why Hector would prefer joining the five-time European champions could well be Jurgen Klopp. He could become yet another player this window joining Liverpool from the Bundesliga, after the signing of Matip and Karius were confirmed a few weeks earlier. Klopp is looking towards his home country for reinforcing his Liverpool squad, and left-back is an area that is in urgent need of reinforcement.
Alberto Moreno’s poor positional awareness and his propensity to make costly mistakes in the defensive third has turned several of the Reds’ faithful against him, and Liverpool’s pursuit of Hector suggests that even Jurgen Klopp believes that the team needs an upgrade.
Jonas Hector is widely known as an extremely reliable player who recognizes his limitations and constantly works on his strengths. Liverpool can definitely do with some consistency in the back four after having conceded 50 goals last campaign and finishing at a disappointing eighth in the Premier League.
