The summer transfer window in the Premier League is now already up and running and teams around the country have already started scouting for potential transfer targets for the next season.
Jurgen Klopp’s men may be preparing themselves for the UCL final but that has not stopped the Liverpool recruitment staff from looking at possible additions to the squad and one such player now linked with a move to Anfield this summer is Julian Brandt.
Liverpool Ready To Meet Brandt’s Valuation
A transfer target for the Reds for more than a year now, Brandt is highly rated by the German tactician at Anfield and reports suggest that the Reds are now ready to do what it takes to land him this summer. He only signed a new contract with Bayer Leverkusen last month but sources in Italy claim that the new contract was only to get rid of his cheap release clause.
He is now valued at €60m and Leverkusen are ready to sell. So should Liverpool break the bank for Brandt?
Who Is Brandt?
Having broken into the senior national team back in 2016, the 22-year old is travelling with Germany for the World Cup in Russia as a crucial part of Joachim Low’s side, is one of the most exciting youngsters on show in the Bundesliga at the moment.
A versatile midfielder, who can play an attacking role on the wings, in a no.10 role or even as a false-9, Brandt is a gifted footballer with a keen eye for goal. He has been in decent form this season, picking up 12 goals and three assists in all competition for the German side.
He is an excellent passer, usually productive and protective of the ball and though he needs to improve his finishing, is adept at creating chances galore against even the toughest of opponents. He is also good at stealing the ball high up the field and his vision allows him to pick up runners, making him effective on the counter.
He is at times lazy in covering back but at just 22, is sure to learn the art in years to come and playing under a coach like Klopp will only fasten his progress.
Right Man For The Reds?
With Liverpool’s front three close to irreplaceable, the Reds cannot attract attackers with the lure of first-team football. But neither of them have a readymade replacement, who can come into the team and make an impact and Brandt could be that man.
He can play any of the attacking roles in a 4-3-3 system but if Klopp believes that he has the ability to put in a shift in the midfield, he will add some creativity to the side against teams that sit back and defend.
He is certainly going to lose some game time at Liverpool but it is a step in the right direction for his future. Do you think Liverpool can land Brandt this summer?