According to Florian Plettenberg of Sport1, Liverpool are eyeing a summer move for Florian Neuhaus. The Borussia Monchengladbach star has been identified as the successor of Georginio Wijnaldum following the Dutchman’s exit as a free agent after failing to agree on a new contract offer.
Update #Neuhaus (2/2): Among all the teams from the @premierleague, @LFC is currently the club that has deposited its interest most concretely. Neuhaus told us @SPORT1 (last week): „I can very well imagine a move abroad.“ His future will become clear after the Euros. #LFC 🔴
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) June 11, 2021
However, the 24-year-old German international is valued at more than €40m and his stakes might rise further after the Euro 2020 competition. Paris St-Germain have snatched Wijnaldum under the nose of Barcelona, and their gain is certainly Liverpool’s loss who must now find an alternative.
The Netherlands skipper featured 51 times last season across competitions which remain the most ever in his career. Although the Reds look well-equipped in central midfield, thanks to Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara, Fabinho, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and Curtis Jones, the persistent injury problems endured during the previous term might come back to haunt them once more.
Jurgen Klopp’s influence and reputation in Germany might smoothen the talks in the coming days unless the other suitors jump in and outbid the mighty Reds (similar to last summer’s Timo Werner saga). Neuhaus joined Die Fohlen back in summer 2017 after impressing in the second tier with 1860 Munich. He was immediately loaned out to Fortuna Düsseldorf for first-team football and his exquisite form helped Fortuna clinch top-flight promotion as the 2. Bundesliga winners. He was handed a starting status at Gladbach from the next campaign onwards. With 16 goals so far in 116 games, the youngster has exhibited his skills in the middle of the park.
A Statement Of Intent From The Reds?
Neuhaus has been a bit rusty at times with his tackles, but his dribbling, passing, shooting and intercepting traits make him an exciting summer option for the Merseysiders. While Fabinho, Thiago and Henderson should still be their preferred ‘midfield three’, the addition of the Die Mannschaft star would inject depth as well as quality.
An incredible late run saw Liverpool defy the odds and claim a third-placed league finish. However, they could not defend their Premier League crown and the never-ending spending spree at Chelsea and the Manchester clubs might make it even more difficult for the Anfield giants to recover lost ground. The signing of Neuhaus would still be a statement of intent from Liverpool while the rivals are chasing the likes of Jadon Sancho, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland.
