Transfer Rumors: $48M Midfielder Agrees To Move To Liverpool As Wijnaldum’s Replacement

Borussia Monchengladbach’s midfielder Florian Neuhaus is reportedly ready to join Liverpool FC ahead of the 2021 summer transfer window. Liverpool are looking to strengthen their squad, including a backup midfield option as Gini Wijnaldum is expected to leave this summer.

The Reds have Neuhaus on their radar as one of the possible replacements for Wijnaldum, the soccer website Teamtalk reported.

It was previously reported that Neuhaus was happy at Monchengladbach, with whom he is contracted until 2024. However, the Teamtalk has stated that the player has changed his mind and is willing to make a move to the Premier League if the deal goes through this summer. Neuhaus has a release clause of around $48 million, according to media outlet Sports Witness. It is still unclear if Liverpool are comfortable with paying the said price for the player, taking into account their current financial crisis.

Wijanldum has entered the final few weeks of his contract with Liverpool and is expected to leave as a free agent at the end of the 2020-21 campaign. He is heavily linked with FC Barcelona as Ronald Koeman is believed to be very fond of his compatriot midfielder.

Meanwhile, the 24-year-old German midfielder, Neuhaus, operates in the center of the pitch, just like Wijnaldum and hence, he has emerged as one of the targets of Liverpool. He has scored seven goals and provided eight assists in the underway season for Monchengladbach. He has also opened his account for the German national side, scoring one goal in five competitive matches.

Neuhaus kickstarted his professional career at 1860 Munich, a soccer club based in the German capital that competes in the country’s third-tier league, 3 Liga. He failed to score in his 13 competitive appearances for 1860 Munich in the 2016-17 campaign. The following year, he was signed by Monchengladbach on a long-term contract. Before playing for the parent club, he was sent on a season-long loan at Fortuna Düsseldorf, where he netted six goals in 29 competitive matches. The ongoing campaign is Neuhaus’ third season at Monchengladbach.