With Timo Werner seemingly edging ever closer to an Anfield move, the Merseyside reds must peddle their assets at a time when funds are scarce.
The transfer saga rolls on.
Speculation linking Red Bull Leipzig’s Timo Werner to Liverpool has been a grossly covered topic of conversation over previous months. Though, despite Liverpool firmly leading the chase for the pacy forward, the ongoing impact of football’s suspension might see his price-tag become something of a stumbling block.
Update on Timo Werner’s release clause [@David_Ornstein]:
• There is an entry point for negotiations in the upcoming window at €47.5m (around £42m), with Leipzig obliged to sell for around €60m.
• The year after the release clause drops to €40m, then the following €25m.— Anfield Edition* (@AnfieldEdition) May 18, 2020
The Premier League leaders may well have to choose whether to pursue the German now, or in the Summer of 2021; when he is available at a slightly reduced fee.
Should Liverpool decide to take the plunge on Werner, they must first generate the money to do so. This could well be achieved through the sales of several players on the squad’s fringes who might yet command reasonable contributions towards the reds’ strike target.
Loris Karius
Having recently terminated his loan-stay at Turkish side Besiktas, Loris Karius is unlikely to remain a Liverpool player. Following his two errors in the Champions League final of 2018, that cost his side a chance at a sixth triumph in the competition, the German shotstopper’s valuation has diminished dramatically; as has his reputation amongst Liverpool fans.
Despite this, a potential return to his former side Mainz in Germany could be on the cards, with the young ‘keeper likely to leave for a sum between €10 and €15 million.
Dejan Lovren
According to former Times journalist James Pearce last summer, it was reported that Liverpool were “in talks” with Serie A’s Roma on a loan-deal for Dejan Lovren. With the move leaving Liverpool with only three senior centre backs, and with no transfer fee suggested, the deal was quickly swept off the table.
Roma wanted an initial loan for Dejan Lovren – that wouldn’t have made any sense for #LFC so talks ended. Right decision to keep him. Klopp needs four senior centre-backs with Liverpool competing on so many fronts.
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) August 16, 2019
The Croatian International has continued to divide opinion following his retention due to his continued inconsistencies this campaign. With the emergence of several youth prospects and the development of Joe Gomez as a first team regular, the defender looks set to finally move on from his six-year spell at Liverpool.
The club would do well to acquire anything more than £10 million for the 30 year-old.
Xherdan Shaqiri
Picked up from a relegated Stoke City in the summer of 2018, Shaqiri’s £13.5 million transfer was seen at the time as something of a coup.
The stout Swiss has make periodic appearances for Liverpool on both the right-wing and in midfield, though has been the subject of criticism on his defensive contributions.
What cannot be called into question however, was the winger’s contributions on the night of 7th May 2019. The former Munich-man stepped up in the absence of Mohammed Salah to aid Liverpool in their incredulous, historic 4-0 victory over Barcelona, placing the ball perfectly on Georginio Wijnaldum’s head for the club’s third of the evening.
Amidst reports of the player being unhappy with the sparsity of his pitch-time this year, it looks incredibly likely that he will soon move on elsewhere. Liverpool will be equally as likely to turn a profit on Shaqiri with a valuation of roughly £20 million.
Harry Wilson
A man who’s future has been discussed almost as much as Werner’s, Harry Wilson is currently on loan at Bournemouth after making his way up the Liverpool academy ladder.
The Welsh winger has truly made a name for himself over the previous two seasons, with memorable goals aplenty. However, in a fashion similar to his teammate Shaqiri, aspects of his all-round game have come under scrutiny.
Keep or sell? A question on the lips of many Liverpool fans when Wilson comes into discussion.
A worthy replacement should Shaqiri depart as well as a strong deputy to Salah on the right side of the pitch, it may be in Liverpool’s best interests to retain the 23 year-old. However, having sent ripples across the Premier League this campaign, the likes of Bournemouth, Wolves and Leicester have reportedly already lodged their interest in the player.
Should Liverpool choose to sell, Wilson could bring in upwards of £25 million; well serving in the red’s quest to strengthen their front-line. And ultimately, in addition to the aforementioned players, a combined total of more than £65 million should prove more than enough to add Werner’s services to the cause.
