Bayer Leverkusen star Julian Brandt is reportedly available for €25 million, which is his release clause, amid interest from Arsenal and Liverpool.
According to a report by German outlet Kicker, Julian Brandt has a measly release clause worth €25 million in his contract with Bayer Leverkusen. The German international is reportedly being pursued by Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool over a move in the summer transfer window.
Julian Brandt has come a long way since making his professional debut for Bayer Leverkusen, aged just 17 in February 2014. Five years on, the player has gone on to establish himself as one of the very best on show in German football, having also become a mainstay in the national side.
The 2018-19 season has seen Brandt being highly productive, having stitched together a formidable partnership with Kevin Volland, Kai Havertz and Karim Bellarabi. A return of 7 goals and 10 assists in 32 appearances across all competitions makes for an impressive read, and it is not surprising that Arsenal and Liverpool, as per Tribal Football, are keen on the 22-year-old.
Arsenal’s need for a winger has been well documented. Unai Emery is bereft of natural wingers in his squad, with the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Alex Iwobi and even Sead Kolasinac being played out of position in the wide areas.
To that end, it explains why Arsenal might be interested in Brandt, who can play on either flank equally adeptly. The interest from Liverpool, on the other hand, comes as somewhat puzzling.
Jurgen Klopp’s squad is laden with top class attacking talent, with Xherdan Shaqiri, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane being three of the best wide men in Premier League. But, beyond the regular trio, the Liverpool boss does not have much in terms of quality backup.
Signing Brandt, who has previously been heavily linked with the Reds, would boost squad depth considerably. And, Liverpool and Arsenal now know the player’s valuation, with the 22-year-old’s Bayer Leverkusen contract including a meagre release clause worth €25 million.
Judging by the German international’s burgeoning reputation and improving performance levels, the figure makes for a bargain amount, also in lieu with Arsenal’s limited budget in recent transfer windows.
But, it remains to be seen if the Gunners or Liverpool can manage to convince the player to end his stint with Bayer Leverkusen and make his way to the Premier League. For now, the €25 million release clause makes for an appealing sum for the two rivals.
