Liverpool Transfer News: Reds to Battle Borussia Dortmund for Manuel Akanji

Liverpool are reportedly set to battle with Borussia Dortmund for the signing of Basel centre-back Manuel Akanji.

According to Simon Hughes of The Independent, the 22-year-old has caught the eye of the Reds after a string of bright recent displays. Dortmund are also said to be keen and are ready to launch a January bid for the defender, with the club’s sporting director Michael Zorc having already held negotiations with the Swiss club.

"With Dortmund pushing hard for a January deal, though, and Liverpool open to the idea of a summer switch, a transfer to Merseyside might ultimately prove to suit each [of the] trading parties best," Hughes continued.

In the piece, it’s noted that Liverpool still hold an interest in Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk, although Hughes noted the Reds would need "encouragement" from Saints before exploring any potential deal.

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The Basel man has shone in the UEFA Champions League this season, helping his side progress into the last 16, where they will meet Manchester City. In Basel’s 1-0 win over Manchester United in the group stages, he was outstanding at the heart of the defence.

As noted by Scouted Football earlier in the year, Akanji also shone for the national team in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier with Northern Ireland and a friendly against Brazil:

Mark Critchley of The Independent provided further background on Akanji, noting he won the Rookie of the Year gong at the Swiss Football Awards in August.

The most impressive feature of Akanji’s game is the authority he carries in his defensive duties, especially for a footballer who is still in the early stages of his career. He’s powerful in the air, assured in the tackle and is adept at distributing from the base of the side.

It appears as though Akanji is ambitious, too. As we can see here courtesy of journalist Jack Lusby, the youngster has previously expressed a desire to go and play for Liverpool’s biggest rivals after next summer’s World Cup:

Liverpool have been criticised for their defending this season, although their recent record has been much improved.

As we can see courtesy of journalist Dan Kennett, in terms of clean sheets, there aren’t many better than the Reds at the moment in the Premier League:

Nevertheless, manager Jurgen Klopp would benefit from another quality addition at centre-back, with doubts present when it comes to Joel Matip, Ragnar Klavan and Dejan Lovren. It’s why many Liverpool supporters were so disappointed when a deal for Van Dijk fell through.

Akanji has shown enough to suggest he would be capable of competing for a spot in the Liverpool defence. As you’d anticipate with any young player, though, he still has a lot to learn at the highest level. Still, if the Reds can get him on board, the Swiss would be one to watch in the years to come.