19 April 2023 , 10:09
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Netherlands legend Wesley Sneijder has warned Jurgen Klopp that Liverpool transfer target Jurrien Timber "loses every header" and is not good enough in the air to cope in the Premier League.
The highly-rated Ajax defender, 21, has been linked with a move to Anfield ahead of a crucial summer for Klopp, who is expected to reshape his beleaguered playing squad in the wake of a disappointing campaign.
Ajax have also struggled this term and look set to relinquish their Eredivisie crown to Feyenoord, but Timber has enjoyed another impressive campaign and is once again being linked with a move to England.
Dutch outlet Voetbal Primeur outlined how TV host Wilfred Genee claimed on the Veronica Offside programme on Monday night that Timber’s girlfriend was currently house-hunting in Liverpool, sparking speculation that the Reds were plotting a summer swoop for the Netherlands international.
However, Sneijder, who won over 130 caps for the Dutch national team during his illustrious playing career, is adamant that Timber would struggle to emulate the success he has had at Ajax in the Premier League due to his diminutive five-foot nine-inch frame.
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Speaking on the same show, Sneijder said: "He’s a smart lad and a really good defender. But he loses every header and in England – against those wardrobes in the Premier League – that will be his downfall."
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Timber turned down interest from Manchester United back in the summer (Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images)Timber has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United ever since the Red Devils lured Erik ten Hag to Old Trafford from Ajax last summer.
Reports at the time claimed that Ten Hag, who has made a habit of raiding the Eredivisie since joining United, was keen on striking a deal which would see Timber join him in England. A deal failed to materialise as Timber was not keen on the switch, however, the defender played down reports claiming that former United boss Louis van Gaal, who was in charge of the Dutch national team at the time, convinced him not to make the move.
Ten Hag went on to complete deals for Antony and Lisandro Martinez and also raided Feyenoord for Tyrell Malacia. The Dutchman is expected to be backed with more funds in the summer after a successful first season at the helm in Manchester.
Losing out on Timber would be a blow, though, for Ten Hag with club captain Harry Maguire expected to leave the club at the end of the season. And losing out to Liverpool would also leave a bitter taste after the Reds pipped United to a deal for Cody Gakpo - another player targeted from the Eredivisie - at the turn of the year.