Although Schalke 04 general manager Christian Heidel has already rubbished Liverpool’s rumoured interest in midfielder Max Meyer as “nonsense”, the 20-year old did cause quite a stir and kept the rummour mill spinning by publicly praising Reds boss Jurgen Klopp — even though he went on to say that he’s committed to staying with Die Königsblauen.
“I know from the past that he [Klopp] appreciates me as a player. After my first derby against Borussia Dortmund – I was 18-years-old and scored a goal – he has publicly expressed praise for me,” said the talented midfielder. “That’s a nice feeling, when a great coach says he finds you good,” added Meyer before quickly changing gears and playing down links to Anfield. “I am very happy at Schalke and I am still very young,” continued the German. “I have many more years as a player in front of me. I feel here 100 percent well.”
After adding the likes of Southampton speedster Sadio Mane and Newcastle United midfield man Georginio Wijnaldum to the roster this summer, a move for Meyer — who is rumoured to be valued at somewhere around the £28mil mark — is highly unlikely. Without any European football to justify such a large squad, it’s far more likely that we’ll see more departures from Anfield this summer with the likes of Lucas, Christian Benteke and Mario Balotelli expected to follow Joe Allen, who made a move to Stoke City late last week, out the door. With that being said, no one knows what the future might hold and the 20-year old isn’t ruling out leaving Schalke, and even Germany as a whole, sometime in the future.
“It is not that I absolutely have to play near my home until the end of my career,” explained the man from Oberhausen after reaffirming his commitment the German side. “I could maybe someday at least consider new experiences, if another club interested, especially if the coach shows appreciation.”
