After Liverpool reportedly missed out on the signing of Borussia Monchengladbach prodigy Mahmoud Dahoud with the youngster agreeing to join fellow Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund in the summer, news that the Reds had also got beat to the punch with Bayern Munich moving first to secure the services of Bayer Leverkusen winger Julian Brandt wasn’t much of a surprise — well, at least for most of us.
“There isn’t any trend nor any agreement. Julian will speak to Leverkusen about the season and his future in the summer,” explained his father and agent Jurgen Brandt. “There have been enquiries from Bayern as well as others — but only to me,” he told Sky Deutschland, throwing cold water on what was a hot story. “I collect these but there’s nothing concrete yet.”
German daily Bild reported on Friday that a €30mil fee had been agreed between the two sides that would see Brandt hook up with the reigning Bundesliga champions, but that no longer seems to be the case. That, of course, is good news for the Reds with boss Jurgen Klopp rumoured to be ready to take charge of the largest transfer kitty in the club’s storied history. After being shut down in his pursuit of Dortmund winger Christian Pulisic, the Liverpool manager has turned his attentions to Brandt and though he could still end up in Bavaria come the end of the season, the Anfield outfit still have a sporting chance of drafting him in to the fold.
“Julian hasn’t made any decision as to his future yet. He hasn’t spoken with any of those responsible at Bayern such as [Karl-Heinz] Rummenigge, [Uli] Hoeness or [Michael] Reschke, nor has he spoken to [Carlo] Ancelotti,” confirmed his father, going on to double these sentiments down in German tabloid Kicker by saying, “It’s a hoax. Julian was never in a situation to have to make a decision. Accordingly he hasn’t decided.”
