Liverpool get go-ahead to sign forward who was loved by Jurgen Klopp on free transfer
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Mirror or go back to LFC Live.
Liverpool could finally swoop for a forward that former manager Jurgen Klopp was reportedly a big admirer ofLiverpool's decision to sign Mohamed Salah instead of Julian Brandt is arguably the most pivotal sliding doors moment in the club's modern history. On the face of it, he appeared an ideal match for Liverpool, having registered 12 goal contributions across 40 outings for Bayer Leverkusen.However, Klopp was reportedly persuaded to pursue Salah, who arrived at the club for £36million from Roma.
Two Premier League crowns, a Champions League trophy and 257 goals later, the Reds' choice appears thoroughly justified after Salah departed the club this summer.Brandt ultimately left Leverkusen and signed for Klopp's former employers, Borussia Dortmund, in 2019. The German, now 30, is poised to exit the Black and Yellows following seven campaigns, during which he found the net 57 times in 307 matches and is available on a free transfer.Is there an argument for Liverpool to finally pursue Brandt, a full nine years after the club were initially linked?
As we're aware, availability is equally crucial given Liverpool's demanding fixture list.Brandt's injury record is encouraging, with the adaptable attacker having missed merely three matches for Dortmund last season and only five the campaign before that.He's also accustomed to pressure situations. There is also the question of Brandt being available on a 'free' and in an environment where the Reds are prepared to spend upwards of £80m for the likes of RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande and PSG's Bradley Barcola, this could be categorised as a 'no-brainer'.Klopp has downplayed suggestions that he championed Brandt over Salah in recent years, but did acknowledge speaking to the forward."There is always a story that I wanted to sign Julian Brandt or someone like that," Klopp told The Anfield Wrap.