Liverpool Monitoring Bayer Leverkusen Starlet

Liverpool continue to show interest in the young Bayer Leverkusen attacker Julian Brandt. Like many other versatile, creative, attacking, German players, he’s been strongly linked with the club since Klopp came aboard last year.

Reports indicate that Brandt is being strongly monitored by Liverpool’s scouting team, and has been put on a watch list, should the club decide to do business in January. The 20-year-old seems to possess many of the qualities that Klopp looks for, and remains in the mold of Christian Pulisic and some of the other young attackers that the club has been linked with recently. In fact, our old friend LTB did a scouting report on the player earlier this year when he pinpointed him as one who suits Klopp’s style.

While Bayer Leverkusen will be eager to hang onto Brandt, especially under the end of this season, they may have less leverage than, for instance Spartak Moscow, who have fellow Liverpool target Quincy Promes under contract until 2021. Brandt, however, is said to have a £17m buyout clause in his contract that can be activated in 2018.

Right now it’s still not certain whether additional support will be brought in during the winter window. While FSG has done some crafty business in January — Luis Suarez, Philippe Coutinho, and Daniel Sturridge spring immediately to mind — they have also let many a winter window pass unused.

The loss of Danny Ings, as well as Sadio Mané’s month-long sojourn to the African Cup of Nations, will be playing into their decision whether or not to buy this January. However, there is still plenty of talent in the squad as well as in the reserves. Injuries to Adam Lallana, James Milner, Jordan Henderson, or Emre Can before then may force the issue.