According to the Sun, Liverpool have set their sights on German international winger Julian Brandt, with Real Madrid also interested in securing the services of the 22-year-old highly-rated attacker.
The same report claims that Brandt will be available for a measly £21.6 million in the summer due to a release clause in his contract, which can be considered as a bargain in the current market scenario.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp wanted to sign Brandt a couple of years back, only for the youngster to turn down a move to Anfield prior to the 2018 World Cup.
However, the Merseyside giants have reignited their interest in the Bayer Leverkusen ace and a move might materialize in the summer, although they are likely to face competition from the Los Blancos.
Brandt has been in terrific form in the Bundesliga this season, registering 4 goals and 9 assists from 25 appearances and establishing himself as one of the hottest young prospects in German football.
A regular for Germany at all youth levels, Brandt has won a total of 23 caps at the senior international level, helping his nation to victory in the 2017 Confederations Cup and also featuring at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Brandt made his senior debut for Leverkusen in 2014 and has gone on to establish himself as one of the key players at the club, accumulating 39 goals and 47 assists from 207 appearances in all competitions.
Those stats are, undoubtedly, highly-impressive, but what should grab Liverpool’s attention even more is the number of senior competitive appearances that Brandt has made at the highest level, despite being just 22. He has a wonderful profile for a player of his age and Liverpool would have a real gem in their hands if they manage to beat off competition to land him in the summer.
Essentially a right-footed inverted winger down the left, Brandt has been used to good effect on either flank, as well as in central midfield and attacking midfield roles through the centre.
Standing at 6ft. 2 inches with a well-built frame, the German likes to combine his lightning pace with his strength and technical abilities to work his way past his opposite number.
Brandt likes to play with conviction and his directness to take on defenders and beat them with his pace and trickery on the ball should make him a good fit for Klopp’s high-intensity football.
He’s not just about pace and power, though, with the youngster also boasting of excellent passing ability to move the ball around quickly, link up with his teammates and create chances with key passes.
Furthermore, the German has an absolute hammer of a right foot that is capable of finding the net with pile drivers from range.
Brandt has averaged 2.6 key passes, 2.6 successful long balls, 1.1 crosses, 1.8 shots and 1.3 dribbles per game in the Bundesliga this season, figures which speak volumes of his well-rounded attributes as an attacker.
Liverpool have stamped their authority in the Premier League this season and the Reds are very much in the race to beat Man City to claim their first domestic title in 28 years.
Although the likes of Sadio Mane, Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino have starred up front, the Reds have struggled to find that creative spark in the midfield at times. Naby Keita hasn’t justified his price tag while Adam Lallana, though impressive at times, has spent a lot of time on the sidelines.
With Divock Origi and Daniel Sturridge struggling to make an impression, someone like Brandt would add more depth and cover to Liverpool’s attacking options up front, whilst also increasing competition in the midfield, owing to his versatility.
To Read More Liverpool News, Click Here: Latest Liverpool News
Xherdan Shaqiri has proven himself to be a massive bargain for Liverpool and Julian Brandt might turn out to be a fantastic bargain signing as well.