The Reds have been alerted after reports emerged the highly-rated German attacker could be available for a bargain price.
After the success of Roberto Firmino, Emre Can and Joel Matip, Liverpool are preparing for yet another Bundesliga raid with 20-year-old Julian Brandt reported to be the target this time. The Bayer Leverkusen forward is among the league’s most promising prospects and has ignited the interest of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, according to German newspaper Express.
Regarded as the ‘Crown Jewel’ of Bayer Leverkusen’s talent factory which also boasts of highly-rated players like Jonathan Tah, Benjamin Henrichs and Kevin Kampl among others, Julian Brandt is also being closely monitored by the likes of Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Juventus and AC Milan but Liverpool’s interest has been the most concrete.
Another revelation by Express is the attacker’s stunningly low release-clause of €12.5 million which becomes binding at the end of next season.
The low release-clause is sure to spark a transfer wrangle among the European elites and as such, Liverpool would want to acquire the player before a tug-of-war for the player takes place.
Julian Brandt was among the nominees for this year’s edition of the prestigious Golden Ball and has already been capped by the Germany national team on four occasions.
Brandt’s father and advisor remained coy when asked about his son’s future, stating, “Of course there is interest, but there are no negotiations or pre-discussions with other clubs. Julian decides what he is doing. Timing plays an important role. I think that we’ll get together in the summer of 2017 at the latest to decide how to proceed further.”
With Danny Ings sidelined for long-term and Sadio Mane set to miss the crucial period from mid-January to February due to African Cup of Nations, Jurgen Klopp is said to be desperate to find a replacement in the upcoming transfer window. As such, a bid for the 20-year-old German could well be on the cards.
