Liverpool have reportedly set their sights on Milot Rashica, with the 23-year-old likely to leave Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen this summer.
According to a report by German publication Bild, Milot Rashica is the subject of interest from Liverpool. The 23-year-old Kosovan international is expected to leave Werder Bremen in the summer transfer window, and could be snapped up from the Bundesliga club for €38 million before June 15.
Rashica joined Werder Bremen from Vitesse Arnhem in January 2018 and has since been a mainstay in attack for the Bundesliga outfit. In fact, this term, the player has missed just one game when fit and available. And in a season that could end with relegation for Die Werderaner, he has been a rare bright spot.
In 24 appearances across all competitions, Rashica has a decent tally of 10 goals and 5 assists. His progress has been duly noted by several clubs, with Bild suggesting that Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, are showing an interest.
Liverpool have one of the best attacking units across Europe, in Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino. However, when it comes to backup players, Jurgen Klopp has had to struggle at times, especially with Xherdan Shaqiri spending much of the season out injured.
While Divock Origi has been more than an able backup, beyond him, the options are a bit thin, with Takumi Minamino not fully settled before footballing action was halted due to the coronavirus outbreak. With Shaqiri touted to depart Anfield this summer, Liverpool might need to enter the transfer market to sign a replacement.
To that end, quite a few wingers have been linked with Liverpool, with Willian among their targets. Now, though, it appears as if Rashica is a player who is on their agenda as well. Capable of playing across the frontline, the 23-year-old Kosovan international is just the kind of player Klopp relishes having in his squad.
According to the president of the Kosovan Football Federation, Agim Amedi, Liverpool are indeed interested in Rashica. Speaking to Syri TV, Amedi said, “There are many requests for him. I know that Liverpool in the Premier League want him, but also Leipzig in the Bundesliga. I am sure that he will be advised in the best way to make his decision.”
Interestingly, suitors will have to pay just €15 million if Werder Bremen are relegated from the Bundesliga. If not, Liverpool and the other clubs interested in the player will need to shell out €38 million.
However, it is interesting to note that both these clauses expire on June 15. The Green and Whites are currently in the drop zone, but it is unclear if their status for next season will be confirmed by the aforementioned date. In such a scenario, Bremen’s bargaining power is likely to increase, if clubs come in with a bid at a later date.
For now, it appears as if Rashica’s time at Werder Bremen will come to an end this summer. What remains to be seen is if Liverpool indeed move forward with their interest in the player, or if some other club swoops him away instead.
