How Laimer Bayern Munich transfer affects Liverpool's midfield plans

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 13 Dec 2022 11:44 GMT
• 2 min read

Liverpool are set to miss out on one of their top midfield targets, with Konrad Laimer on the verge of agreeing a deal to join Bayern Munich next summer.

Laimer has been a long-term target for Jurgen Klopp and is out of contract in the summer but the RB Leipzig star is believed to have struck a verbal agreement with their Bundesliga rivals.

Leipzig sporting director Max Eberl admitted that Laimer was likely to leave, saying: “I know the chances (that he stays) are very, very slim. He hasn’t decided yet, but if there’s a 1% chance, I’ll fight for it.”

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A deal could even be announced in January, with reports in Germany claiming there is a total agreement with Bayern for a deal until 2027 after Julian Nagelsmann pushed to sign the Austrian.

Where does Laimer’s decision leave Liverpool?

Liverpool had hoped to make Laimer one of their additions as they look to revamp their midfield, with the likes of James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita entering the final six months of their contracts and yet to agree extensions.

With Laimer seemingly off the table for Liverpool, their attention will now likely be entirely focused on securing Jude Bellingham, with the Dortmund midfielder thought to prefer a move to the Reds over Real Madrid.

However, Liverpool have baulked at the asking price for the England international, which could be in excess of €150 million after an impressive World Cup campaign.

While Bellingham is undoubtedly the club’s top target, Liverpool have considered alternatives such as Enzo Fernandez, but Benfica would likely demand the 21-year-old’s €120m release clause to part ways with a player who only joined them in the summer.

Sofyan Amrabat is another player who has been scouted by Liverpool after excelling for Morocco at the World Cup and Fiorentina may choose to cash in on the player next year, with his deal up in 2024, although the Italian side are believed to have an option to extend.

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However, Liverpool will likely hold off pursuing any big money signings and focus on pushing for European qualification, meaning a January move for any of their targets is not on the cards unless one unexpectedly becomes available for a reasonable fee.