Liverpool may be lining up a move for RB Leipzig’s Konrad Laimer according to reports in Germany.
The report, stemming from Sky Sports Germany, has suggested that Jurgen Klopp may seek to reinforce his midfield with the acquisition of the 25-year-old.
The midfielder hasn’t actually endured a good season thus far, facing ligament tears and ankle issues amongst other things, leading the German to having just six appearances for Leipzig.
This is in contrast to last season where he made a sizeable 43 appearances, scoring five goals and securing six assists in the process,
With the season not going as planned this year, the report states that Klopp could seek to tempt the injury-stricken midfielder into a January move.
Liverpool have struggled immensely this season, and are 15 points off leaders Arsenal in first, so some January incomings may be a necessary solution.
One area of concern has been midfield, after a host of injuries already this season, while fans also clamour for some fresh blood in the middle of the park as Liverpool’s long-serving players like Jordan Henderson and Fabinho lose some of their energy with age.
Midfield solution
Being just 25, Laimer could be a long-term replacement for the likes of Henderson, and one that could come at an affordable price.
On Transfermarkt, the Austrian is valued at £25.2m, with his contract also expiring in June next year.
Securing his services on a free or even for a fee in the region of £25m would not put a significant dent in the Red’s transfer budget, and would be much cheaper than other alternatives they’ve been linked with.
Borussia Dortmund superstar Jude Bellingham is one such player that has dominated headlines with links to Liverpool, some stating that the talented teenager could cost up to £130m – if Liverpool pursued this then there would be little money left for other positions.
Besides, the Leipzig man is also a top player, ranking in the top 1% for blocks made, as well as the top 20% for tackles per 90.
Strikingly, the 5 foot 9 warrior even ranks in the top 10% for assists, and the top 20% for dribbles completed per 90 – all statistics are via FBref and in relation to his oppositional peers across Europe’s elite divisions.
These stats show that the marauding midfielder is both defensively sound while also providing an offensive benefit. He’s very well-balanced and reads the game well, attributes that could benefit Liverpool’s midfield.
One other attribute to Klopp’s benefit would be the Austrian’s work rate. Former The Athletic journalist Alex Stewart labelled him as a “pressing machine”, meaning he could be the perfect engine for Klopp’s high-intensity football.
Overall this deal isn’t close yet but could be one to watch if Bellingham ends up elsewhere and Liverpool still needs midfield reinforcements.
