Liverpool and Manchester United Target Bundesliga Defender Edmond Tapsoba

Liverpool and Manchester United have set their sights on Bundesliga standout Edmond Tapsoba, as reports highlight four clubs in the competitive pursuit and reveal a notable decrease in his expected transfer fee.

Who is Edmond Tapsoba?

Tapsoba, a 27-year-old center-back, first gained prominence in Portugal with Vitoria Guimaraes before making a move to Bayer Leverkusen for €20 million in January 2020. Since then, he has netted 12 goals in 255 matches for the German team, playing a key role in their domestic double win during an exceptional 2023-24 season under coach Xabi Alonso.

Current Performance and Recognition

This season, Tapsoba has taken to the field 29 times for Leverkusen, contributing with four goals and two assists. As per WhoScored, he ranks as the third-best player for Leverkusen this season, boasting an average rating of 7.06.

Tapsoba’s Strengths

• Height: 6ft 4in, excelling in aerial duels
• Speed: Quick and agile
• Ball Skills: Comfortable with the ball at his feet

Previously, The Spurs Scout has characterized Tapsoba as an “elite ball-playing center-back with physical attributes that define the modern defender.”

Transfer Interest

German publication Fussball Daten indicates that Liverpool is competing with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain for Tapsoba’s signature. The Burkina Faso international is reportedly “on the cusp of leaving,” and his transfer could provide Leverkusen with significant funds for new acquisitions this summer. The likelihood of his departure from Germany at season’s end is considered high.

Price Situation

While Tapsoba has a substantial exit clause of €100 million (£87 million / $118 million), Leverkusen is open to selling him for approximately €60 million (£52 million / $71 million). This reduced price has prompted potential suitors to take notice. He is officially on PSG’s radar, and both Liverpool and Manchester United view him as ideally suited for the Premier League.

Madrid’s Interest

Real Madrid is also keeping an eye on Tapsoba as a quality backup option in case they fail to secure other targets like Micky van de Ven or Ibrahima Konate.

Liverpool’s Defensive Strategy

As Liverpool prepares for additional defensive reinforcements despite already reaching an agreement for Jeremy Jacquet, they are also interested in players like Van De Ven and Nico Schlotterbeck. Furthermore, Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix has also been linked with the club.

Tapsoba has emerged as a fresh option for Liverpool, but they will need to outmaneuver Manchester United to secure his services in the Premier League.