Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool Agree To Pay $35M For Midfielder, Who Is Also PSG’s Target: Report

Liverpool FC reportedly have gone ahead of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the race to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara in the ongoing summer transfer window.

Alcantara, who has one year left in his current deal, has refused to sign a contract extension having won seven Bundesliga titles in as many seasons at the Allianz Arena. It is understood that the 29-year-old wants to experience a new challenge in Europe.

It was earlier reported that even though Liverpool were interested in signing Alcantara but were not willing to match the player’s asking price of $35 million at Bayern. However, it is understood now that The Reds have changed their minds, especially after the French giants PSG jumped into the race to sign the Spanish midfielder.

According to soccer website talkSport, Jurgen Klopp’s side has agreed to Bayern’s demands of $35 million and is in the pole position to sign Alcantara, who played for Barcelona between 2009 and 2013, where he scored 11 goals in 101 matches.

After missing out on Timo Werner, who eventually landed at Chelsea, Liverpool have made it clear that they cannot afford expensive signings. However, Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren’s departure has made some room in wages for a new player and Lallana’s exit has created a spot in the Anfield side’s midfield.

If Liverpool manages to bring Alcantara to Merseyside, Klopp will have the much-needed depth in the midfield. Apart from the regular starters captain Jordan Henderson, Brazilian Fabinho, Georginio Wijnaldum, The Reds also have Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The likes of Naby Keita and Curtis Jones have been impressive lately and with the addition of Alcantara, Klopp could have a solid midfield, which would complement his front-three of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.

Moreover, many are anticipating that Alcantara’s arrival could cut short Wijnaldum’s future at Liverpool. The Dutchman has just a year left in his current contract and has not been approached for an extension by the club. He has been a key part of the Liverpool side that has won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, and most recently the prestigious Premier League. It was The Reds’ maiden Premier League trophy, while their first league title in 30 years.