Tottenham have opened negotiations with Bayern Munich midfielder Mario Gotze, who has been very strongly linked with Liverpool since the arrival of Jurgen Klopp as the manager.
Things have gone downhill for German midfielder Mario Gotze, who captured the world’s gaze when he scored the winning goal in the FIFA World Cup final in 2014. After enjoying two relatively successful seasons with Bayern Munich after moving from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2013, Gotze struggled last season.
The 24-year old midfielder managed to score three goals and register four assists in only 14 appearances for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga last season. His failures at Bayern and lack of game-time have fueled speculation that Gotze could be on the move this summer. One of the clubs primarily linked with him has been Liverpool, which is now under the management of his former mentor at Dortmund, Jurgen Klopp.
Klopp was the manager who promoted Gotze to the Dortmund first team in 2009-10, and he quickly rose through the ranks to become an integral part of the side that won back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2010-11 and 2011-12.
Tottenham Hotspur has now emerged as shock contenders for Gotze’s signature, according to German publication Bild. The report states that Spurs has made contact with Bayern Munich over a possible transfer, with his former club Borussia Dortmund also interested in the situation.
The BVB interest could soon wane considering that a large number of fans have not forgiven Gotze for his departure for Bayern in 2013. However Spurs are in the market for an attacking midfielder, as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the Champions League next season. They have also been linked with relegated Newcastle United’s Georginio Wijnaldum, but Gotze would be a cut above the Dutchman in terms of ability.
Tottenham already have an in-form midfield trio of Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Erik Lamela, but the addition of Gotze could put one of their starting places in jeopardy.
Liverpool and Klopp meanwhile have already strengthened their midfield with the signing of Sadio Mane from Southampton. The Senegal winger will compete with the Brazilian duo Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino, England international Adam Lallana and fellow new signing Marko Grujic for a spot in the Reds midfield.
While there is still no word on how far the talks have progressed and what kind of transfer fee Bayern expect for Gotze, the Bavarians would be looking to recover most of the €37 million they paid for him in 2013.
