Rumour Mongering: Reds to Southamptonize RB Leipzig

In January, Liverpool were meant to be trying to sign talented RB Leipzig wide-man Emil Forsberg. In recent weeks, versatile pocket midfielder Naby Keita has emerged as their supposed top target in the centre of the pitch for the coming summer, though one whose capture will depend on securing a Champions League place.

Now, you can add a third name to the list, at least if the rumour mongers are to be believed, with the Daily Mail citing vague reports in Germany about Liverpool sending scouts off to watch Leizig striker at top goalscorer Timo Werner, a highly talented 21-year-old who has emerged as a star this season.

With Leipzig playing some of the most exciting football in Europe this season, it has been Werner whose job it has been to finish moves off, and he’s done that, scoring 14 goals in 23 Bundesliga games. He’s added six assists for good measure, proving he can turn creator when he’s not banging the goals in himself.

That speaks to the youngsters flexibility, with Werner able to play on either wing as well as at striker, and that could make him Liverpool’s top alternative to Julian Brandt should the 20-year-old Leverkusen winger end up heading to Bayern Munich as is starting to appear increasingly likely.

Early reports had Brandt as Liverpool and Klopp’s top summer target, but with a Champions League place in doubt at Anfield and Bayern already opening negotiations for the player, it will be an uphill battle to sign him. In that light, it’s not so difficult to see new links to Werner as representing Liverpool’s Plan B.

At least, that is, if there’s any truth to them. Which, given their source, there may not be. Still, if Liverpool are set to miss out on Brandt, they could do a lot worse than bringing in Werner to compliment an attack of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mané, and Philippe Coutinho next season.