Why Liverpool must go for Schalke’s teenage defender Malick Thiaw

According to Daily Mirror, Liverpool have been extensively scouting Schalke centre-back Malick Thiaw and are now planning a summer swoop.

Malick Thiaw, 18, made his senior debut for Schalke in the Bundesliga earlier this month and has already been described as the next Joel Matip by the German media. (h/t the Daily Mirror) The teenager, who can also operate as a defensive midfielder, has a contract with Schalke until June 2021.

The defender has a £7million release clause in his contract, but Schalke are planning to tie down Thiaw to a long-term contract with a bigger release clause, the report adds.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have been excellent throughout the campaign and sit comfortably at the top of the league table 25 points ahead of second-placed Manchester City. The Reds won the Champions League last year and also claimed the Club World Cup title back in December.

Despite putting in impressive performances throughout the last two campaigns, Liverpool’s front three have been unstoppable. Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane have been a joy to watch, playing a crucial role in the club’s success over the last two seasons under Jurgen Klopp.

At the other end, the Reds defence has been fantastically marshalled by Virgil van Dijk, with the Dutchman establishing a strong understanding with Joe Gomez. Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren have been the backup for Van Dijk and Gomez.

However, if the Merseysiders are to become a dominant force in Europe for a prolonged period of time, Klopp needs to bring in a few quality players this summer.

After signing young guns Sepp van den Berg, Harvey Elliott and Joe Hardy in the last two transfer windows, the Liverpool tactician must do everything possible to sign Malick Thiaw from Schalke.

Thiaw is one of the highest-rated prospects of his age in German football at the moment. He has scored 9 goals in 23 appearances for the club’s Under-19 side this season – an extraordinary return from a central defence. The teenager made his senior team debut on March 7 in the 1-1 draw with Hoffenheim.

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The 6ft 3in defender is still in his formative years but his development in Germany simply cannot be ignored. The fact that he has already started to rub shoulders with the seniors at the tender age of 18 is indicative of a level of maturity that belies his years. All in all, this looks like a move that could pay off handsomely for Liverpool as a part of their long-term plans moving forward.

Verdict

The Reds lack depth in central defence, so having a player who can help out would be an asset. Add to that the £7million release clause in his contract and the fact that he has the whole of his career ahead of him – the teenager would be a good investment.