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Liverpool FC: 5 early summer targets for the Reds

By Scott Stewart

Manager Jurgen Klopp has apparently been keeping an eye on Liverpool's loaned out youngsters.
Manager Jurgen Klopp has apparently been keeping an eye on Liverpool's loaned out youngsters. /
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LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY – JANUARY 28: Julian Brandt of Bayer Leverkusen gestures during the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Borussia Moenchengladbach at BayArena on January 28, 2017, in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Images)
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY – JANUARY 28: Julian Brandt of Bayer Leverkusen gestures during the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Borussia Moenchengladbach at BayArena on January 28, 2017, in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Images) /

5. Julian Brandt

One of Liverpool FC’s apparent January window targets, Julian Brandt’s name will be floating around Melwood as reinforcements for Liverpool’s midfield continue to be a top priority.

In 14 Bundesliga appearances to date, Brandt has scored two and assisted on six in the 2017 campaign though Bayer Leverkusen sits just ninth in the table. In addition, while Leverkusen UCL campaign also fell short of the mark, Brandt appeared in five matches with one start and notched a goal there in a 3-0 win over AS Monaco.

The young German outside midfielder has the qualities that Liverpool FC have been missing. He has notable speed – getting chalk on his boots while flying up the flank – and can thread that all-important through ball into the area to create a chance. Brandt clearly has a knack for goal, but in a system like Klopp’s where movement is key, the 20-year-old could settle in nicely.

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The issue for a player like Brandt is first-team football. He already has a place locked down under manager Roger Schmidt, but earning that same spot under Klopp could prove a challenge. Sadio Mane and Philippe Coutinho hold the wide positions, while Roberto Firmino typically starts centrally. This means that the addition of Brandt to the squad would either drop Coutinho deeper into the midfield, where he’s less effective, or see him ride the pine until minutes come his way.

Depending on European qualification, Liverpool could be in a similar situation as this year where they’re only fighting domestically, meaning minutes might be few and far between. For a player of Brandt’s quality, he needs to be in the first team every week, and weighing up a move to the Reds, albeit completely speculative, would first need clarification on his place in the side.

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