Eintracht Frankfurt's Mario Gotze in action with RB Leipzig's Konrad Laimer
Liverpool have reportedly made contact over a potential move for RB Leipzig central midfielder Konrad Laimer.
The Lowdown: Bellingham alternatives?
Hopes of signing Jude Bellingham in the summer are seemingly fading from Anfield, with Jurgen Klopp’s side reportedly in a four-way battle with Manchester United, Manchester City and Real Madrid for his signature.
They currently find themselves in seventh place in the Premier League table, and are in danger of missing out on UEFA Champions League football for next season, meaning that they would be unlikely to attract the Borussia Dortmund star ahead of their big-spending rivals.
The Latest: Laimer contact
Taking to Twitter, transfer expert Christian Falk has revealed that the Merseyside club have made ‘contact‘ with Laimer’s management team over a potential move, with his contract at Leipzig expiring in the summer.
However, Chelsea are also thought to be interested in his signature, and Bayern Munich currently lead the race:
“TRUE – Liverpool had contact to the management of Konrad Laimer (also agents of Naby Keita). Laimer is a free agent in summer. LFC is interested in a transfer, also ChelseaFC. But FCBayern is leading the race.”
The Verdict: Get it done
If the Reds cannot secure Bellingham’s signing, then Laimer should be the first name on their list.
Hailed as ‘crazy‘ by Austria team-mate Marko Arnautovic for how much ground he covers for his national side, Laimer ranks in the 99th percentile for pressures for midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues, and in the 86th for tackles made per game (FBRef).
Not only is he tenacious, but he is also quality going forward, ranking in the top 6% for assists and top 9% for dribbles completed, giving him a playing style similar to Bellingham himself (FBRef).
Laimer is out of contract in the summer, and so signing him for a cut-price in the January transfer window or snapping him up for free at the end of the season is surely a no-brainer for Liverpool.
Moreover, the 25-year-old even idolises Reds legend Steven Gerrard, so this could be a match made in heaven.
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