Liverpool were linked with a move for Konrad Laimer in the summer with nothing materialising, however, they could now reignite their interest in January with a new update emerging.
What’s the latest?
Speaking to TEAMtalk, journalist Graeme Bailey revealed that Jurgen Klopp could be interested in signing the RB Leipzig midfielder in January.
Bailey revealed: “One name very much in contention is Konrad Laimer. The Austrian saw a move to Bayern Munich fall through, but now he very much has his options open. He is out of contract in the summer and RB Leipzig are ready to do business.
“He has just returned from injury and will be fully fit for the season re-start, and Liverpool do like him.”
Arthur upgrade
There is no doubt that the midfield is an area of concern at Anfield with many of the players in the centre of the pitch out of contract at the end of the season or coming to the latter stages of their careers.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner and Naby Keita will all be out of contract in June 2023 whilst Thiago Alcantara and Jordan Henderson are both well into their 30s, reducing in game time and availability at this point.
As a result, the signing of Laimer could be a great piece of business in January, especially now that newly joined Arthur Melo has suffered a long-term injury – and would undoubtedly represent a huge upgrade on the Liverpool loanee.
Over last season, the £25m ace – who was hailed a “sprint monster” by former Austria teammate Martin Hinteregger – outperformed Arthur in many attributes, including goals scored (four v zero), assists (four v zero), shot-creating actions per 90 (2.47 v 1.59), tackles and interceptions won (42 v 32) and aerial duels won (50% v 40%).
Not only that, Laimer ranks in the top 1% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for blocks, as well as ranking in the top 15% for assists, dribbles completed, touches and progressive passes received over the last 365 days – proving that he offers great defensive traits alongside an attacking threat.
With that being said, the signing of Laimer could be the perfect opportunity for Liverpool to add a quality midfielder in January who can make a genuine impact in the centre of the pitch over the second half of the season.