According to reports from The Express this afternoon, Schalke skipper Benedikt Howedes has hinted he would be interested in joining Jurgen Klopp’s revolution at Liverpool – despite snubbing interest from Arsenal during the summer.
The 27 year-old has been with the Miners for his entire senior career, amassing 275 appearances across all competitions and taking the captain’s armband in 2011. The 6 foot 2 defender is particularly famed for his versatility, predominantly featuring at centre-back for his club but impressing as Germany’s World Cup-winning left-back at Brazil 2014.
Arsenal were linked with Howedes during the summer and the 32-cap international confirmed the north London club’s interest, telling German publication Kicker; “Milan and Arsenal have really been keen on my services, this is what I am able to confirm. Still I have not opted against them, I have decided in favour of FC Schalke 04.”
Indeed, he elected to stay on at the Veltins Arena despite Schalke failing to qualify for the Champions League last season but the centre-back’s recent comments suggest he could be interested in a Premier League switch after all – this time with Liverpool.
As quoted by The Express, he said; “A move abroad excites me. England would for sure be an interesting destination. Currently I am with Schalke. There are no deals sorted. But of course, for a footballer there are some clubs that are more interesting than others. English football is very fortunate to have someone like Klopp in the league, Liverpool is a club with great tradition and values.”
Sourcing a new centre-half has been suggested as one of Klopp’s first priorities as Liverpool boss, with £20million signing Dejan Lovren still yet to truly justify his price-tag.
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