Hannover coach Stefan Leitl can see the positives in reports linking goalkeeper and captain Ron-Robert Zieler with a potential January switch to Premier League giants Liverpool, speaking to BILD.
Other managers might not be so glass-half-full.
With Hannover looking to keep the pace with fellow promotion pushers Hamburg, Paderborn and Darmstadt in the Bundesliga.2 table, reports linking one of Leitl’s most experienced and most important campaigners with a move to a bonafide European powerhouse won’t be welcomed by everyone of a Die Roten persuasion (BILD).
For the Hannover boss, however, Liverpool’s interest in proof that the two-time German champions are doing something right.
“He has played (himself) into focus,” Leitl says. “It’s a nice rumour to associate Hannover 96 with Liverpool.
“Ron is my captain. The focus is on the game (against Fortuna Dusseldorf on Tuesday).”
2014 World Cup winner Ron-Robert Zieler on Liverpool’s radar
Zieler has had two separate spells in English football before; with Leicester City and Liverpool’s north west neighbours Manchester United. The 33-year-old is due to become a free-agent at the end of the current campaign. Hannover, however, do have an extension clause in the Zieler’s contract.
In addition to the 2014 World Cup winner, Liverpool are reportedly keeping tabs on SV Sandhausen’s Patrick Drewes too.
And Sandhausen coach Alois Schwartz struck an almost identical tone to Leitl when the subject of interest in his goalkeeper was brought up.
“I’m happy when Liverpool look at (us) and honour our performance,” Schwartz responds. “I cannot say more about that.”
Zieler or Drewes, should either player arrive at Anfield in 2023, would likely replace Adrian San Miguel as Liverpool’s third-choice goalkeeper. Former West Ham United and Real Betis glovesman Adrian is entering the final few months of his deal, and has made no secret of his desire to embark upon a return to his Spanish homeland.
“So far, no one has approached us,” Sandhausen director Mikayil Kabaca says of 29-year-old Drewes. “And we have not received an offer. (But it is) an honour when SVS players are on the radar of top international clubs.”
Liverpool are also prioritising midfield reinforcements ahead of the January transfer window. Jude Bellingham, Joao Gomes and Benfica duo Enzo Fernandez and Florentino Luis are among the club’s targets.
It is likely, however, that any big-money additions may have to wait until the summer. Especially with Benfica and Bellingham’s Dortmund still in the Champions League.
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