Liverpool enter 'bidding war' – Andoni Iraola's ready to challenge Hansi Flick & co

Liverpool willing to pay €50m to join Barcelona and Real Madrid in pursuit of Stuttgart defender Finn Jeltsch, 20.

Liverpool have positioned themselves in the race to sign VfB Stuttgart centre-back Finn Jeltsch and are ready to compete with Barcelona and Real Madrid for his signature. The 20-year-old joined Stuttgart from 1. FC Nürnberg in February 2025 and has impressed with regular minutes this season, making 10 appearances and 809 minutes in the Bundesliga.

Jeltsch's performances have prompted Stuttgart to raise his asking price significantly. The club initially valued him at €35m but have since increased that to €45m, with recent reports suggesting a €60m price tag. Liverpool are reportedly willing to pay €50m to secure the Germany U21 international's services, putting them in direct competition with Barcelona and Real Madrid.

The Merseyside club's interest is particularly notable given their existing centre-back situation, with Ronald Araújo on loan from Barcelona. Liverpool hold a €55m clause to make Araújo's move permanent, and their decisions on both defenders will impact Barcelona's planning for 2027. Iraola's Bournemouth have also joined the bidding war for Jeltsch.