Those who have read Sporten.com for a while will know that I am not particularly impressed with Erik ten Hag’s insight into how people think, feel and act and that he can only manage a certain type of club.
As a new recruit at Bayer Leverkusen following the exit of Xabi Alonso, Ten Hag has thrown himself into all the talks regarding the sale of the club’s most valuable asset, Florian Wirtz.
Read: The plan is for Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez to play while La Liga’s most effective striker Alexander Sorloth will sit on the bench
Not quite in the box after all!
Bayer Leverkusen tell Liverpool which players they want in spectacular swap deal for Florian Wirtz
With the transfer of Dutch defender Jeremie Frimpong already confirmed, Liverpool’s operations in an expected busy transfer window are already underway.
After winning the Premier League in Arne Slot’s first season as manager, the Reds will be aiming for several big names – including Wirtz, who previously played alongside Frimpong at Leverkusen. The German right-back was sold for 40 million euros.
Several reports have claimed that the German club want around €150 million for the German international, but recently it has been speculated that they may consider a swap deal for part of the amount.
Now, Leverkusen have reportedly made it clear to Liverpool which two players they are willing to accept in a potential Wirtz deal.
Harvey Elliott and Jarell Quansah on Leverkusen’s wishlist
In the early days of the transfer window, several Liverpool players have been linked with a way out of the club to make room for new signings.
One of these is young striker Harvey Elliott. According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, he is one of the players Leverkusen is considering as a possible replacement for Wirtz.
Although Elliott impressed under former manager Jürgen Klopp, he seems to have fallen out of favour at Slot – leading to rumours of a summer exit.
The 22-year-old made a total of 28 appearances for Liverpool last season, but many of them as a substitute. Wolverhampton Wanderers have been mentioned as a possible destination, but if Elliott can help secure Wirtz, Liverpool could offer him to Leverkusen.
But Elliott is not the only player Leverkusen should have their eyes on. Plettenberg also claims that they can ask for Jarell Quansah as part of the deal.
Like his teammate, Quansah is believed to be one of the players Liverpool are open to selling if there is a good enough offer.
The England defender has previously been linked with Newcastle United, but it is unclear whether they will renew their interest this summer – which could open the door to a move to Germany.
Quansah has made 25 appearances for Liverpool this season, including 13 starts.
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Will Liverpool agree to a swap deal?
A deal involving both Elliott and Quansah would be a significant decision for Liverpool, but with Wirtz being one of Europe’s most in-demand young talents, it could be worth it.
Leverkusen, under Xabi Alonso, has a strong project, and a transfer for Wirtz is likely to require a big investment – either in terms of money, players, or both.
The transfer window is only at the beginning, and this could be one of the most exciting negotiations of the summer.
That said, Erik ten Hag will not accept a like for like in his valuation.
