Transfer Rumour: Liverpool set sights on Matthias Ginter

Liverpool are reportedly looking to pursue German international Matthias Ginter with a view to making him the new partner for Virgil van Dijk.

According to a report by Daily Mirror, Liverpool have set their sights on Borussia Monchengladbach centre-back Matthias Ginter over a possible move in the summer transfer window. The 25-year-old has previously played under Jurgen Klopp, who bought the German international from SC Freiburg in 2014.

Matthias Ginter joined Borussia Monchengladbach from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2017 and quickly established himself as a regular at the club. The 25-year-old started every game for Gladbach last season, chipping in with a healthy return of five goals and two assists as well.

The player has continued to remain a regular fixture in defence for the Bundesliga outfit, only missing five games due to injury, and his solid performances at the back have boosted his side’s bid of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. But, he could soon be set to depart from his homeland, with Liverpool showing an interest in him.

Interestingly, Liverpool are managed by a tactician who knows Ginter all too well, with Jurgen Klopp signing him at Dortmund in the summer of 2014. The Reds have improved dramatically under the German’s tutelage, especially at the back, with the Merseyside club boasting the best defensive record in the Premier League this season.

The boost in defensive performances is largely down to the influence of Virgil van Dijk, who has almost single-handedly bailed Liverpool out at times. While Joe Gomez is seen as the long-term partner for the Dutchman, the options beyond the young Englishman do not inspire a lot of confidence.

While it is true that Joel Matip has stepped up well in recent weeks, just as he did against Everton this past weekend, the report suggests that Klopp does not have a lot of faith in the Cameroonian as far as the long-term future is concerned. Dejan Lovren too, has been prone to his fair share of lapses.

As a result, Ginter makes for a viable target for Liverpool, if Calciomercato are to be believed. For now, Klopp is merely monitoring the progress of Ginter, although it will hardly be surprising if the Reds make a move for him, considering Gomez’s trysts with injuries so far in his career.

It now remains to be seen if Liverpool launch the offensive for Matthias Ginter in the summer transfer window, or if the 25-year-old German international stays put at Borussia Monchengladbach.