Liverpool wanted Konrad Laimer but there seems to be an indication that he is already planning to join Bayern Munich next summer.
The Reds would have probably rather not been involved in the deadline day shenanigans.
Liverpool prefer to be calculated and take their time in the market rather than scramble around like everybody else.
This time though, Liverpool were forced into the market as Jurgen Klopp really needed a new midfielder.
Jordan Henderson’s hamstring injury against Newcastle United on Wednesday night forced Liverpool’s hand, and they did strike a deadline day deal.
Liverpool wanted Konrad Laimer
Liverpool swooped to sign Juventus midfielder Arthur on loan for the season, saving the Brazilian from the fringes of Max Allegri’s side.
Arthur was only on the bench against Everton on Saturday afternoon but should add depth to Liverpool’s midfield options.
The key here is that a loan deal for Arthur doesn’t give Liverpool any long-term commitment, keeping money available to try and sign Jude Bellingham next summer.
If Liverpool were going to move for a midfielder, it had to be a cheap deal – and another option was seemingly considered.
The Athletic report that Liverpool did show an interest in signing RB Leipzig ace Laimer.
However, Leipzig were reluctant to sell and whilst you may think that Liverpool could just go in for Laimer again in 2023, that may not be possible.
The Daily Mail claim that Laimer already has his next move lined up because he will be signing for Bayern Munich next summer.
Laimer has now all but confirmed to Sport1 that Liverpool were interested but he didn’t want a rushed exit before the deadline, with the report suggesting the club in question was the Reds.
“It wasn’t so hot that anything would have happened,” said Laimer. “A hasty exit is not my thing. If I should transfer, I want to think it through and decide, not overnight,” he added.
Laimer added that there was contact with his former boss Julian Nagelsmann with Bayern interested in signing him.
Laimer’s Leipzig deal ends next summer, which may have been why Liverpool felt a cut-price deal before Thursday’s deadline was a possibility.
However, Bayern spent much of the summer chasing Laimer with Nagelsmann keen to reunite with his former Leipzig midfielder.
Bayern love to hoover up talent from other Bundesliga clubs and Laimer is seemingly Bavaria-bound on a free transfer.
Despite growing up loving Steven Gerrard, it looks like Laimer will be joining forces with Sadio Mane at Bayern rather than heading to Anfield.
That may be frustrating for Liverpool, with Laimer potentially ideal for Jurgen Klopp’s style, but Arthur is on board now and from a long-term perspective, it seems to be full steam ahead of Project Bellingham.
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