Rumour Mongering: Reds Plan £26m January Dahoud Swoop

Liverpool are reportedly preparing a January bid for Mahmoud Dahoud, the young Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder that eluded the reach of Jürgen Klopp’s exuberant embrace this summer. It’s clear that the Syria-born German 20-year-old is someone the Liverpool manager rates highly and whose services he is keen to secure.

The German publication Express has claimed that Liverpool will go in with a £26m bid for Dahoud when the transfer market reopens in January. Gladbach refused to let the talented player go this summer, but they’re losing some of their leverage as his contract winds down and now has only 18-months left in it. Dahoud has reportedly refused to sign an extension, due to his head being turned by the interest of several clubs, including Liverpool.

This season, Dahoud’s playing time has been limited at Gladbach, though it does include starts against both Barcelona and Manchester City in the Champions League. It’s unknown whether this falling down in the pecking order is because of loss of form, the stalling of his contract negotiations, or a desire by the manager not to overwork a young player.

Liverpool’s rocket of a start this season, which sees them top of the table at the international break, has shown there’s a cohesion and efficiency to Klopp’s current midfield set-up. It’s unlikely Dahoud would slot directly into the starting eleven given the current performances by players like Henderson, Can, Wijnaldum, and Lallana. However, luck could turn on a few bad showings or key injuries — especially with the African Cup of Nations looming. If Dahoud is available at a reasonable price, it makes sense for Liverpool to pursue this transfer.

Expect much more digital ink to be spilled on this rumour as the transfer mill heats up going into the winter.