Liverpool may have to see off competition from one of Europe’s biggest clubs if they hope to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Julian Brandt.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Julian Brandt in action with Atletico Madrid’s Sime Vrsaljko
A report in the Daily Mail has suggested that Liverpool may have to see off competition from Real Madrid if they hope to bring Bayer Leverkusen starlet Julian Brandt to Anfield this summer.
The 20-year-old is one of Jurgen Klopp’s shortlisted targets for the end of the season, but the Mail reports that Los Blancos could now be in the running for the youngster’s signature.
According to the Mail, the La Liga side sent scouts to watch Brandt be a part of the Leverkusen team that took on Atletico Madrid in the first-leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp
And while the winger was on the losing side, he was arguably one of the Bundesliga outfit’s most impressive players on the night, and given that they were taking on a team that Real will obviously know very well, it would hardly be a surprise if they came away from the contest seeing plenty of potential in the youngster.
And a look at his domestic form certainly suggests that he is destined to become a special talent, having scored twice and contributed six assists in the top flight.
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane
While it may be difficult for Brandt to turn down Real Madrid should they officially make a move, it could certainly be argued that a move to Liverpool could be the smarter one.
There have been several youngsters who have moved to the Bernabeu having previously been touted as the next big thing only to watch their careers stagnate in Madrid, while Klopp has shown no fear giving youngsters a chance at Anfield and, due to his knowledge of the Bundesliga, may have a better idea of how to help Brandt realise his full potential.
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