Top clubs around Europe are always on the lookout for standout talents to strengthen their squad, even outside of transfer windows.
Reports from Germany have confirmed that Liverpool have their sights on 20-year-old centre-back Finn Jeltsch, and are weighing up a move for him.
Jeltsch has emerged as one of the Bundesliga's brightest defensive talents, and the Reds' scouts have identified him as a potential addition to their squad as a long-term defensive reinforcement.
Liverpool track Stuttgart starlet Finn Jeltsch
Liverpool's recruitment department has cast a wide net across Europe as the club plans ahead for future defensive reinforcements after their success with Jeremy Jacquet.
According to German journalist Christian Falk (via Anfield Index), the Reds have sent scouts out to Stuttgart to watch Jeltsch, and further scouting missions are planned for future games.
“It is TRUE: Liverpool have scouted VfB Stuttgart centre-back Finn Jeltsch. All the top clubs, including Bayern Munich, are scouting him. He was in the squad for Klopp first as a backup for the right-back. Then one of the central defenders became injured, and now he’s also the backup at centre-back.
This shows he can play many positions, and everyone can see the 20-year-old’s potential. Such players really are a present to everyone. Jeltsch is young, talented and can play many positions, and he’s not so expensive! Bayern Munich has an eye on him," he wrote in his column.
The versatile youngster has already appeared 12 times for his club this season, providing an assist.
His displays this season earned him a place in Jurgen Klopp's 44-man Germany squad in September, and in this month's squad, as well.
Why Jeltsch is wanted by Klopp and top European clubs
Finn Jeltsch joined Stuttgart from 1. FC Nurnberg in 2025, and has quickly become a key player for the club under Sebastian Hoeneß due to his remarkable versatility.
Comfortable operating as both a ball-playing center-back and an inverted or traditional right-back, his tactical intelligence is highlighted by how easily he is able to cycle between different roles.
Jeltsch can play as a centre-back in a back three or a back four, further underlining his
He pairs comfortable ball distribution and passing with sharp defensive anticipation, making him an asset on the ball and in defensive situations, as well.
A move to Anfield may be in jeopardy due to interest from Bayern Munich, who historically have the upper hand where deals for German players are involved.
Jeltsch has grown accustomed to playing in the Bundesliga, and could be reluctant to leave Germany for England, particularly in the event of concrete interest from Bayern.
Liverpool's defensive succession plan in order
Liverpool have spent the last two years recruiting top young defenders, and they have several others in their sights as targets.
They signed Giovanni Leoni as an 18-year-old in the summer of 2025 before agreeing a deal for Jacquet in January 2026.
In addition to the duo, they also signed Ifeanyi Ndukwe, Mor Talla Ndiaye, and Dara Jikiemi to add to their centre-back depth.
The Reds have also been linked with Brighton & Hove Albion hotshot Luka Vuskovic, and will undoubtedly continue to recruit top-level youngsters to strengthen their squad, especially as Virgil van Dijk is nearing the end of his spell at Anfield.
