Liverpool ready to rival Barcelona and Real Madrid for €60m Finn Jeltsch

Liverpool are reportedly prepared to spend €50million on Stuttgart defender Finn Jeltsch, with Barcelona and Real Madrid also monitoring the highly rated Germany Under-21 international.

The 20-year-old centre-back has attracted attention through his performances in the Bundesliga, while his long-term contract gives Stuttgart considerable control over his future.

According to reports citing Spanish publication Sport, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is particularly keen on signing Jeltsch, although Liverpool and Real Madrid could provide competition.

Jeltsch joined Stuttgart from Nürnberg in February 2025 and has developed into one of Germany's most promising young defenders.

The centre-back, who helped Germany win both the Under-17 European Championship and World Cup in 2023, is under contract until June 2030.

Recent reports suggest Stuttgart could seek between €50m and €60m for his signature.

Liverpool are said to be willing to offer around €50m, but there is no confirmation that the club has submitted a formal proposal.

Stuttgart's contractual position means they have little immediate pressure to sell, particularly midway through the season.

Barcelona are reportedly considering Jeltsch as a long-term addition to their defence, with Flick believed to be an admirer of his performances in Germany.

Real Madrid have also been linked with the defender as they assess their future options at centre-back.

However, the reported transfer figures could make negotiations difficult, especially if Stuttgart insist on a fee towards the upper end of the suggested range.

For Liverpool, Jeltsch would represent an investment in a younger defender capable of developing into a regular first-team option.

Liverpool's defensive planning also involves Ronald Araújo, who joined on loan from Barcelona in August.

The Uruguay international's season-long agreement reportedly includes a €55m option to make the transfer permanent.

That leaves Liverpool with an important decision over how much to invest in their defence, particularly as Virgil van Dijk approaches the end of his current contract.

Araújo's experience and Jeltsch's long-term potential offer different solutions, and Liverpool have not confirmed that pursuing one would rule out the other.

Barcelona, Liverpool and Real Madrid may continue monitoring Jeltsch ahead of the 2027 transfer windows.

Stuttgart remain in a strong position to retain him, while Liverpool must also assess whether to make Araújo's loan move permanent.