Liverpool plot €60m swoop for Bundesliga powerhouse as defensive shake-up looms

February 26, 2026 Aksel Kryhlmand

Liverpool’s recruitment plans for the summer are beginning to take clearer shape, with defensive reinforcements emerging as a priority.

According to German outlet Fussballdaten, the Premier League champions are monitoring Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba as they prepare for a potential reshuffle at the back. The report indicates that the 27-year-old is under consideration as Arne Slot evaluates options to strengthen his squad.

Liverpool’s interest comes amid uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konate. While no departure has been confirmed, questions about his long-term future have prompted the club to assess possible replacements well in advance of the transfer window.

Defensive priorities take centre stage

Liverpool conceded more goals than expected during key stretches of the current campaign, exposing occasional vulnerabilities in transition. Strengthening central defence is therefore understood to be one of the club’s main objectives.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky Van De Ven has also been linked with a move to Anfield. However, reported interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid could complicate any approach for the Netherlands international.

That competition has led Liverpool’s recruitment team to widen their search. According to Fussballdaten, Tapsoba is viewed internally as a strong stylistic fit for Slot’s system, given his composure in possession and experience in high defensive lines under Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen.

Financial landscape of a potential deal

Any move would require significant investment. Fussballdaten reports that Bayer Leverkusen would seek a fee in the region of €60 million for Tapsoba. The defender’s release clause is believed to be closer to €100 million, although it is unclear under what conditions that clause becomes active.

Leverkusen signed Tapsoba from Vitoria Guimaraes in 2020 for approximately €20 million, a detail that strengthens the Bundesliga club’s negotiating position. With his contract running until 2028 and interest from several European sides, Liverpool would likely need to present a compelling offer if formal talks were to begin.

Strategic implications for the summer window

Liverpool’s approach this summer is expected to balance defensive stability with long-term squad planning. While attention has also focused on Mohamed Salah’s situation following reported interest from Al Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, the defensive unit appears to be one of the first areas under active review.

Whether Liverpool translate their monitoring of Tapsoba into a formal bid may depend on developments around Konate and the broader market. For now, according to Fussballdaten, the Burkina Faso international remains firmly on the club’s radar as preparations for the next window intensify.

Sources: Fussballdaten