Jeremy Toljan faces crucial decision for his future
July 26, 2017
Jeremy Toljan is a sought-after name this transfer window. The 22-year-old enjoyed an impressive Euro 2017 campaign with Germany's Euro-winning U21 team, eventually being named in the team of the tournament. The defender also had an impressive season with Hoffenheim, finishing fourth in the Bundesliga and bagging a Champions League qualification spot.
His impressive performances didn't go unnoticed, with some of Europe's top clubs reportedly interested in signing him. Tottenham, Liverpool and Chelsea, as well as Bayern Munich, have all been mentioned as potential suitors for Toljan.
A question of playing style
After losing Kyle Walker to Manchester City for a hefty 50 million pounds, the London club could do with defensive reinforcements, and Toljan's speed and relentless style seem to fit Mauricio Pochettino's high-pressing philosophy. The Argentinian manager is also known as a believer in youth and has proved he's not afraid to throw young players into the mix if he thinks they're good enough, and that could well work in Toljan's favor should he make the move to the English capital.
Another potential destination is Liverpool, where Jürgen Klopp continues to shape the side in his image. The Reds' squad is currently short of fullbacks, and with the Merseyside club heading back into the Champions League, Klopp knows he needs a deep squad to compete. Toljan could benefit from that, but he still wouldn't be first choice, particularly as Liverpool have already signed a full back in the shape of Hull City's Andrew Robertson.
A potential trip to Russia?
Toljan knows he needs game time at this stage of his career, and the best way to assure that he'll get just that is staying put at Hoffenheim for another season at least. With the 2018 World Cup just around the corner, the son of a Croatian mother and an American father must showcase his abilities on a constant basis if he's to have any chances of being included in Joachim Löw's squad. The fact that Julian Nagelsmann, the Bundesliga's coach of the season, has already signed a contract extension with the club, will also help in keeping Toljan at his current club.
With his contract running until 2018, the Stuttgart-born player knows that a good 2017/18 campaign would be enough to secure him a contract at one of Europe's powerhouses, or at least grant him an improved contract with his Sinsheim employers. A win-win for both Jeremy Toljan and Hoffenheim, it seems.