Liverpool’s recruitment strategy under Arne Slot has prioritised star quality over depth, and they need to find creative ways to round out the squad.
That includes monitoring the free agent market, where Liverpool have not been very active.
Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Brandt is seeking a new challenge after seven years at the club, with Sky Germany outlining his desire to go abroad.
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Arsenal and Barcelona are reportedly interested in the attacking midfielder, but Liverpool should get in the race and finally bring the German to Anfield, fulfilling Jurgen Klopp’s nine-year-old transfer wish.
Julian Brandt as a squad piece should be a no-brainer for Liverpool
Klopp wanted Brandt over Salah back in 2017, but was convinced by the analytics team of the Egyptian’s superior fit.
That worked out quite well for Liverpool. The Egyptian is one of Liverpool’s greatest ever players.
That being said, Brandt was, and still is a talented footballer whose expiring contract presents the opportunity for the Reds to flesh out their attack.
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The German can play in the 10, on either flank, and even as a striker at times. He has six Bundesliga goals and three assists in just 13 starts.
Borussia Dortmund v SV Werder Bremen - Bundesliga
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At 29, he’s outside of Liverpool’s typical age range, but that is usually the case with free agents.
Recent seasons have seen Liverpool fall behind Man City and Arsenal in terms of squad depth. Those sides have multiple elite options in most positions, while Liverpool play with a core group of about 14 players.
Brandt on a free transfer represents smart business. He is keen to explore life outside of Germany, and his positional versatility means he would be able to find minutes under Arne Slot.
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Declan Rice runs with the ball as Curtis Jones chases him during Liverpool's Premier League match against Arsenal at Anfield.
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He’s not a starter-level signing. That’s where you spend the big money. For a quality rotational piece who can put pressure on a number of attackers to up their game.
At Dortmund, Brandt earns a reported £116,000 per week. He would no doubt be looking for a pay rise, but it would still fall within a reasonable range. Liverpool would have to fight off competition from some of Europe’s top clubs, but there’s every chance he would be open to a Merseyside move.
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