Liverpool is reportedly interested in a player from one of Jürgen Klopp’s former clubs and he could be an ideal replacement for Roberto Firmino this summer.
It’s hard to imagine for Liverpool fans, but Jürgen Klopp has other affiliations with football clubs outside of the Reds. One of his closest affiliations is undoubtedly with FSV Mainz in the Bundesliga.
Not only did Klopp start his managerial career at Mainz, but he also played there for over a decade, and is an indelible figure at the club.
It will come as no surprise that the Liverpool boss still keeps an eye on how things are progressing at Mainz, and while he has never signed a player from his former club since he arrived at Anfield, that could now change.
According to Bild, Liverpool have been tracking an exciting young forward emerging at Mainz for ‘over two years’ in Nelson Weiper, who could be the next big thing in German football.
A really imposing forward, Weiper has just recently turned 18 years old, but he has already made his debut for Mainz at senior level in the Bundesliga, and has even been capped for Germany at U21 level.
Over the course of last season, 12 goals in 12 games at youth level for Mainz was an impressive return. He also helped the club lift the Junior DFP Pokal —which is a prestigious trophy to win — netting three goals in three games in the cup run.
Standing at 1.92 meters he is already an imposing figure in senior football as well, where he scored two goals for Mainz in nine appearances in the Bundesliga. Although it has to be said those nine appearances comprised a total of 91 minutes overall, which means his two-goal return is a pretty incredible output.
His first came against Borussia Mochengladbach within minutes of him entering the field. Meanwhile, his second goal was a crucial last minute equalizer against Werder Bremen in a 2-2 draw, in a game where Weiper just spent three minutes in total on the pitch.
He’s shown he can make an impact off the bench and has become a bit of an outlet to use for Mainz. The German club rates him extremely highly.
Bild’s report states the club does not want to lose him this summer. However, given Klopp’s links with the club, perhaps his close personal relationship could help Liverpool bring Weiper to Anfield.
In terms of how Weiper would fit in at the club, there is a spot up for grabs in the forward position. With Roberto Firmino’s departure, Liverpool could do with another back-up option and Weiper could be an ideal player for that role.
He’s already highlighted his ability to come off the bench and score goals at Mainz. He won’t be a starter at Liverpool either, but he will get opportunities to play.
Similar in stature and height to Darwin Núñez, Klopp could nurture Weiper to follow in the Uruguayan’s footsteps and if he does, Liverpool’s striker position would be sorted for the next decade, regardless of Firmino’s departure.
That’s why it’s worth investing in Weiper now rather than waiting until later — when he will be available for twice as much or more if he follows the trajectory he is on at the moment.