Liverpool could finally sign Julian Brandt on a free transfer, nine years after former manager Jurgen Klopp reportedly admired the German forward. Brandt, now 30, is set to leave Borussia Dortmund this summer after seven seasons, during which he scored 57 goals in 307 matches.
Brandt's Availability and Versatility
Brandt can operate across the frontline, primarily as an advanced midfielder but also on both wings—a quality Liverpool are seeking under new boss Andoni Iraola as he reconstructs the attack. He has recorded 48 goals and 45 assists from the left, 19 goals and 14 assists from the right, and 37 goals with 66 assists from the No. 10 position.
Injury Record and Experience
Brandt missed only three matches for Dortmund last season and five the campaign before, offering reliability for Liverpool's demanding schedule. A former Germany international, he made his Leverkusen debut before turning 18 and was linked with Manchester United, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich, whom he reportedly rejected twice.
Klopp's Past Interest
In 2017, Klopp was keen to bring Brandt to Anfield, but was persuaded to sign Mohamed Salah from Roma for £36 million. Salah went on to score 257 goals, winning two Premier League titles and a Champions League. Klopp later downplayed suggestions he championed Brandt over Salah, telling The Anfield Wrap: 'There is always a story that I wanted to sign Julian Brandt or someone like that. The situation with that is if you go for a winger, you talk to seven or eight. Yes, we spoke to him, but we spoke to Salah.'
Potential No-Brainer Deal
With Liverpool prepared to spend over £80 million on targets like RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande and PSG's Bradley Barcola, Brandt's free transfer availability could be a 'no-brainer.' Brandt told Kicker in 2017: 'My gut feeling and my head are telling me the time to move has not arrived yet. I have to straighten things out in Leverkusen.' He remained for two more seasons before joining Dortmund in 2019.
