Liverpool have been linked with a move for RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner since 2017, and until the coronavirus pandemic caused widespread uncertainty over the summer transfer market, it appeared to be a deal that could have been on the cards this month.
With the financial impact of the outbreak still largely unknown in the long-term, it would be a gamble for any club to agree a transfer deal at this stage, with player’s values this summer set to be negatively affected.
It was initially thought that Werner’s release clause expired at the end of April, though the belief in Germany now is that there could be a new arrangement in place.
Speaking exclusively on a special Blood Red podcast, which will be published on Thursday (April 16) afternoon, Bundesliga commentator and German football expert Kevin Hatchard explained that the latest suggestion is that the expiration date for the release clause will be pushed back, almost as a gesture of goodwill.
He said: “There has been talk in Germany recently that actually the release clause may well be extended because of the current situation.
“There is an acceptance from all parties that they want to be fair to each other, in the sense that Werner has done a great job for Leipzig.
“You have got to remember why that release clause was put in – it was put in so Werner would extend his stay, and so that he didn’t feel trapped into a deal he wasn’t happy with.
“Leipzig knew he would want to move on at some stage.”
And when Werner is allowed to move on from the Bundesliga club, Liverpool could be handed a transfer boost by their Premier League title rivals Manchester City.
As Hatchard outlined: “The Bayern Munich situation is interesting because Werner felt they messed him about when they pursued Leroy Sane [last summer].
“It’s really interesting that recently, reports have emerged that Bayern, having flirted with the idea of going back in for Werner, have decided to redouble their efforts to sign Sane.
(Image: Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
“I don’t think they would sign both so that may well give Liverpool a free hit.
“I don’t think there is a doubt that Liverpool are keen and I think the money makes sense, and he is a perfect fit for the way they play.”
Sane’s contract with Pep Guardiola’s side is believed to expire in 2021, with Bayern having shown strong interest in the German winger in the past.
Werner was thought to be their back-up plan should they not be able to tempt Sane back to his homeland, and Hansi Flick’s team are expected to go back for Sane again in the future.
Should it be this summer, with Manchester City perhaps prepared to let their man go before he can leave on a free transfer the following year, that would leave Liverpool as clear frontrunners for Werner’s signature.
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Reports earlier this week had suggested that the deal could be off because Klopp will not be able to meet with Werner until after the coronavirus outbreak.
However, speaking to the German forward could still happen via a video call – and that could be crucial to the deal taking place too.
Hatchard concluded: “Werner knows he wouldn’t just walk straight into the starting XI – he would have to be given certain assurances that he would be given a decent crack at the whip.
“The natural position would be the one that Sadio Mane operates in.
“Werner likes the inside left channel and he has played deeper this season.
“Mane would be the one he would compete with the most but Klopp might have other ideas.”
Man City could hold the key to next big Liverpool transfer move - Liverpool Echo
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