“Of course you’re happy” – 19-year-old Bundesliga rising starlet responds to links with Liverpool

Liverpool target Malick Thiaw responds to transfer speculations amidst links to the Reds

According to Sport BILD (h/t Mirror), Liverpool have been in contact with Schalke’s 19-year-old Finnish defender Malick Thiaw. Despite the centre-back renewing his contract at Schalke in the summer, Liverpool have stayed in contact with him.

After injuries to Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, Jurgen Klopp will be assessing his options come January. Malick Thiaw is one of the many names that have been linked to Liverpool in the past 12 months. (h/t Mirror

The youngster has responded to the speculation about his future formally in an interview with Schalke TV. (h/t Mirror).

“Of course you’re happy when big clubs are after you, but it was actually clear to me that I would stay at Schalke.”

Thiaw has made 3 senior appearances for the Bundesliga club this season and at just 19, he would fit our long-term plan really well. His first impressions at Schalke have drawn comparisons to ex-Schalke and current Liverpool centre-back Joel Matip.

The Reds have conceded the second-most goals in the league this season, and have no players in the top-20 for aerial duels won. Thiaw’s imposing 1.91-metre frame could go a long way in helping Liverpool improve those stats.

Speaking to Sunday World (h/t Mirror), Liverpool legend John Aldridge has further underlined how the defensive problems at the club have reached a breaking point.

“While Fabinho can slot in at centre-back and do a good job, Jordan Henderson could play in there at a push, and young lads like Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams are showing real potential, Liverpool need to make their move to bring in a central defender now.”

The club has been plagued with injuries in the past few months, especially to our key defensive personnel. While a young centre-back like Malick Thiaw may not solve our immediate issues, the club will be clever to conclude a deal for him in January.

At just 19, Thiaw has plenty of time to develop and become a world-class centre-back. Even in the short term, Thiaw’s clean fitness record would help Klopp expand his options at the back.