Liverpool Target Finn Jeltsch for £43m Defensive Reinforcement

Liverpool are considering a move for VfB Stuttgart defender Finn Jeltsch as they prepare to strengthen their central defense amid uncertainty over Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez's futures. Reports published Oct. 19 and Oct. 20, 2026, indicate that Liverpool could offer between £42 million and £43 million for the 20-year-old Germany U21 international, who has attracted interest from several European clubs.

According to Liverpool Echo, the Merseyside club is weighing a potential move in the January transfer window after failing to replace Ibrahima Konate, who joined Real Madrid as a free agent during the summer. The report identifies Jeltsch as a priority target as Liverpool assess their defensive options.

Roundtable separately reported that Barcelona, Real Madrid and Liverpool are monitoring the Stuttgart defender. The Spanish publication SPORT cited in that report also indicated Barcelona's interest, with the club's head coach having approved the potential signing.

Jeltsch joined VfB Stuttgart from FC Nürnberg in February 2025 for a reported £8 million. According to Roundtable, the German defender progressed from a rotational role to becoming a regular first-team player and is competing in the UEFA Champions League this season.

Before moving to Stuttgart, Jeltsch made 13 senior appearances for FC Nürnberg during the 2023/24 season while playing in Bundesliga 2 at age 17. He subsequently increased his playing time and established himself as an important member of the second-tier side before earning his move to the German top flight.

Roundtable highlighted Jeltsch's ability to retain possession under pressure and carry the ball through opposing lines. The outlet compared aspects of his ball-carrying ability to former Liverpool defender Joel Matip.

The report also described Jeltsch as comfortable defending with a high line and stepping forward to challenge opposing midfielders. Those characteristics could suit the tactical approach associated with Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola, according to Roundtable's assessment of the player's profile.

Liverpool's reported interest comes as Van Dijk and Gomez approach the final year of their contracts, which are due to expire next summer. Liverpool Echo noted that Van Dijk remains an important figure at 35, while Gomez's injury record and Giovanni Leoni's recovery from a long-term anterior cruciate ligament injury have contributed to concerns about defensive depth.

Leoni has been recovering from the ACL injury he sustained early last season, limiting Liverpool's available options at center back. Meanwhile, Jeremy Jacquet, who joined from Rennes during the summer, has adapted to the Premier League, according to Liverpool Echo.

Former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness has advocated extending Van Dijk's contract, arguing that the captain still has value to the team. Speaking to Mirror Football the previous week, Souness said the defender could continue playing for at least another season and suggested including an option for a second year.

Souness also defended Van Dijk against criticism that followed his serious injury involving Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, arguing that the Dutchman had returned without losing the qualities that made him an elite defender.

"I think there's still life left in Virgil, but what is he, 35 now? I think there's definitely another year left in him."

Souness emphasized Van Dijk's experience, reading of the game and continued importance to Liverpool's defense when explaining his position on a potential extension.

"I mean, people criticised him when he got that terrible injury from the Everton goalkeeper [Jordan] Pickford, but he came back from that and it's a lazy thing to say, he's not the same player. I didn't see that.

"I think Konate was a difficult player to be playing with. I see there's still life left in Virgil. I'll be giving him another year anyway with an option to take a second year because he's a Rolls-Royce of a player.

"And if anything, he's got better the longer he's been at Liverpool. I mean that one. He's a Rolls-Royce.

He's always been a Rolls-Royce. But as you get older, your brain should be kicking in and even seeing things earlier."

Liverpool have started the 2026/27 season strongly under Iraola, who succeeded Arne Slot during the summer, according to Liverpool Echo. The team sat fourth in the Premier League after seven matches and had secured a 2-1 away victory over Brentford on Saturday, Oct. 17.

The club's next scheduled fixture was a home match against Villarreal on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 8 p.m., followed by a Premier League meeting with Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday, Oct. 25, at 2 p.m., according to Liverpool Echo.