Exclusive – Liverpool prepared to pay €60million for German playmaker

Liverpool are looking to strengthen their attacking department in the summer transfer window and more than a few quality stars are linked with the Anfield club.

According to information gathered by Calcio Insider, the Merseysiders still want to sign German international and Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Julian Brandt.

The Reds have been tracking the youngster for quite some time but the Bundesliga side were determined to keep him and agreed a new deal with him last month (The Mail).

However, a Leverkusen source has confirmed that the club only agreed the deal with the 22-year-old starlet to get rid of the cheap release clause in his previous contract and increase his market price.

Read: Club offers incentive for Liverpool to sign star for £43million

As per the information provided, the attacker’s previous contract with the German club was due to expire in 2019 and it had an exit clause which could have been activated this year in the summer.

The source did not mention the value of the clause but after research, we found a report from Bild claiming (in 2016) that the former Wolfsburg youth player had a clause worth €20million.

The Leverkusen insider has told that the Bundesliga club are open to selling their prized asset if their asking price of €60million is met in the summer transfer window and Liverpool are prepared to match that sum.

Brandt can effectively play on either flank and also as a central attacking midfielder if needed. This season, in 30 starts, he has directly contributed in 19 goals for the club.

The Reds do need to add depth in their offense for next season and Brandt, who could be going to the World Cup with the national side, should be a top quality signing for Jurgen Klopp.