Liverpool have reportedly been keeping tabs on talented 18-year-old Mainz striker Nelson Weiper, who is dubbed as the next big thing in Germany.
That’s according to German publication BILD, who are claiming that new transfer enquiries keep flooding in asking about the youngster’s situation at Mainz as he continues to progress rapidly in the Bundesliga. The report adds that Liverpool have been “really keen” on Weiper for “over two years” and have already tried to “lure” him to Anfield.
A product of FSV Mainz youth academy, the 18-year-old striker is already starring in Germany with his impressive goalscoring exploits. During his time with the Mainz Under-17s, he racked up 20 goals in 19 appearances before bettering that with the Under-19s, hitting the net 21 times in just 17 games, helping the Under-19s to the title this past season while contributing eight goals in as many games.
Weiper has also made the step up to the professional level, making nine Bundesliga appearances last season and creating history as Mainz’s youngest player at 17 years and 198 days and goalscorer at 17 years and 344 days against Freiburg and Borussia Monchengladbach, respectively. Impressively, he has managed two goals despite only having 91 minutes on the pitch.
Although he is yet to receive his first Germany cap, he has been impressive on the youth level for the Germany Under-17 and Under-18 levels, scoring 14 goals in 20 outings. Weiper boasts a towering figure, standing at 6ft 3ins tall, and he has the physical attributes to succeed at the top level. Very strong build, can hold up play, find spaces in the penalty area, and score goals, he appears to be a classic number 9 at first glance.
However, he blends this skillset with more technical ability than one might expect of a modern striker, with a great first touch, dribbling abilities, and some really decent link-up play to facilitate goal-scoring wingers. The Reds have also heavily delved into the market to beef up their youth setup lately, having made a decent chunk of profit from sales of their academy graduates.
Meanwhile, several others like Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones, and Stefan Bajcetic have even emerged as capable contenders to be an integral part of the first team next season after impressing this past campaign, so it comes as little surprise they have tried to add Weiper to their talented youth ranks.
Of course, Liverpool are embarking on a new era without Roberto Firmino, who has left the club upon the expiration of his contract. Weiper seems well on his way to making progress, and if the Reds swoop in early, the striker’s rise to stardom could save the Reds millions in the transfer market down the line.
Luckily for the German club, the youngster is understood to be tied down until 2025 and is sold on the idea of staying at Mainz, who have promised him more playing time next season to help his development. For the time being, he is only a name to keep an eye on, but Jurgen Klopp will undoubtedly be keeping an eye on him as he grows next season.
