Liverpool are reportedly tracking 22-year-old German international Julian Brandt, who is also a target for Serie A heavyweights Juventus.
According to a report by Italian outlet Calciomercato, who have quoted German publication Bild, Liverpool have registered their interest in Julian Brandt, having monitored him recently. The German international is also the subject of interest from Juventus over a move in the summer transfer window.
Julian Brandt has enjoyed an interesting career since breaking into the first-team setup at Bayer Leverkusen aged just 17. While he continues to be regarded as one of the most promising prospects in German football, he has further impressed this season by playing in various positions.
The player has not only excelled as a winger this term, but has also impressed while playing in midfield, which has seen him showcase a different side to his game. And, having become a creative force for Bayer – he has 11 assists in 28 Bundesliga appearances – it is hardly surprising that the likes of Juventus and Liverpool are keen on him.
Liverpool, in fact, reportedly hold a long-standing interest in the 22-year-old, having previously been linked with him on a number of occasions. The continued interest makes sense as well, with Jurgen Klopp evidently being short of quality options beyond the Sadio Mane, Xherdan Shaqiri and Mohamed Salah to play out wide.
Additionally, with Sadio Mane being linked with a move away to Real Madrid, Liverpool could be in need to sign a winger. To that end, the 22-year-old German international will also be an appealing prospect due to his ability to make an impact from the middle of the park. Liverpool though, face stiff competition from Juventus in pursuit of Brandt.
The Bianconeri have an ageing presence in attack in the form of Mario Mandzukic, Juan Cuadrado and even Cristiano Ronaldo. Brandt could thus, be the perfect player to target for Juventus, who would also need to start phasing out midfielders like Sami Khedira and Blaise Matuidi.
What further makes Brandt a target worth pursuing is the fact that he has a meagre release clause worth €25 million in his contract with Bayer Leverkusen. The report, quoting Bild, suggests that Liverpool are ready to launch the offensive for the German international, as are Juventus.
It looks like a transfer war could be brewing between Liverpool and Juventus for Julian Brandt, with his low-money buyout clause making him an appealing prospect. It now remains to be seen if the Reds are able to land him, or if his future lays elsewhere.
