The heir to Mo Salah, a teenager trained by Erling Haaland’s old mentor – and a potential Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement: The RB Leipzig stars who could be auditioning for a Liverpool move tonight

There was a mixed reaction to Jurgen Klopp joining Red Bull earlier this month as ‘Global Director of Football’, but Liverpool’s next generation could thrive as a result.

The Reds have had an affinity for Red Bull-bred stars in recent seasons: Sadio Mane, Ibrahima Konate, Naby Keita, Dominik Szoboszlai, Takumi Minamino and Alex Manninger have all gone the caffeine route.

With Klopp in his new job and his former assistant Pepijn Lijnders managing Red Bull Salzburg, that bond looks set to strengthen.

Arne Slot clearly gets along well with Red Bull’s honed stars, with Konate and Szoboszlai in good form.

With that in mind, ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday night, Mail Sport takes a look at five players who could be on the Reds’ target list.

Lutsharel Geertruida

Geertruida, 23, is an obvious shout after winning the Eredivisie title with Feyenoord under Slot in 2022-23.

The right-back is a versatile option who could be a long-term replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is possibly destined for Real Madrid, while Conor Bradley is still maturing.

A Dutch international, Geertruida can also play as a centre-back or central midfielder and is regularly praised for his physical attributes.

Benjamin Sesko

Sesko, 21, is one of the most sought after forwards in Europe after four seasons of consistent goals. Liverpool met him for the first time in 2022, when he scored in a 1-0 friendly for Red Bull Salzburg over Klopp’s team.

He has since moved to Leipzig and scored 18 goals last season, taking them to fourth place in the Bundesliga.

Manchester United were among the top clubs interested in his signature this summer, although his valuation was estimated to be around £55m. Maybe one that will make Darwin Núñez look over his shoulder.

Xavi Simon

Simons, 21, shone for the Netherlands at Euro 2024 and it was no surprise after an outstanding year in Germany during which he recorded 10 goals and 15 assists.

A stylish creator, Simons came through Barcelona’s academy before playing for PSG and PSV. He is now on loan for the second consecutive season at Leipzig from Paris.

His best scoring season to date was 2022-23, when he scored 22 with PSV and has become a key player for the Netherlands, scoring one goal and assisting two at Euro 2024. Could the versatile striker be the next Mohamed Salah?

Lois Openda

Openda, 24, is another striker who has been linked with Manchester United. Maybe that should be a red flag for Liverpool!

Seriously though, Openda has been quality for years. Last season was his most prolific, with 28 goals for Leipzig in all competitions.

The pacey striker, nicknamed Bouzou, has already proven his worth against the highest caliber of English opposition, scoring three goals in two games against Manchester City in the Champions League last season.

Antonio Nusa

Nusa, 19, has just joined Leipzig this summer, so he may be someone to keep an eye on in the future.

Brentford came close to signing the left winger from Brugge in January and Tottenham were also in talks to buy the Norway international.

He made his debut for Stabeak in his homeland at the age of 16 and worked under coach Gaute Larsen, who helped develop Erling Haaland at Bryne. He already has 11 international caps for Norway.