Paris Saint-Germain Set to Sign Julian Draxler

Any hope of Liverpool signing Wolfsburg’s Julian Draxler appear to be over as Paris Saint-Germain are set to complete the signing of the Germany international. Draxler has been on the radar of many big European clubs since breaking through as a teenager at Schalke 04 but is now set for the big move he always wanted. He expressed his wish to leave Wolfsburg in the summer and has maintained that stance to the displeasure of his employers.

Reliable club-connected journalists such as Paul Joyce and James Pearce indicated that Liverpool’s interest in the player was genuine, but PSG were ahead in the race. Sadio Mané’s absence next month on African Cup of Nations duty and the season-ending injury suffered by Danny Ings means that a wide attacker is a priority in the January transfer window. Christian Pulisic, Quincy Promes, and Julian Brandt have all been linked with moves to Anfield.

Jürgen Klopp made it clear that money isn't what players should be coming to Liverpool for and doesn't want to attract talent by focusing on financial gains. The progress the club is making combined with the opportunity to develop should be enough, especially considering that Liverpool are one of Europe’s richest clubs anyway. The current Liverpool manager, however, demands a physical commitment beyond any of his predecessors in the Premier League era.

After two finals last season despite only taking over in October, Klopp has found consistency in the league this season as the club sit in second behind Chelsea. An two-legged EFL Cup semi-final against Southampton next month stands in the way of a third major final in less than 18 months. There is an opportunity for a talented player to join Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, Adam Lallana, Sadio Mané, and Divock Origi in Liverpool’s attack.

Draxler is a player who could add to the current group with his speed, dribbling ability, velvet touch, creativity, and protection of the ball in tight spaces. He has the ability to add goals from wide positions but needs to prove that the promise of his Schalke 04 days is ready to bloom. Those questions, however, will be answered in Ligue 1 for a transfer fee of £38 million rising to £41 million.