Chelsea are now in the race for Konrad Laimer, according to reports. He’s a player Liverpool also want in 2023.
This comes from Bild. They claim that Chelsea now want to sign Konrad Laimer as he comes to the end of his contract. The Austrian will be free to talk to clubs from January ahead of a potential free transfer from RB Leipzig.
But it won’t be easy for them. Both Bayern Munich and Liverpool want the player, too. The Reds even tried to make it happen this summer, per the Athletic but left it too late in the window.
Now there will be a race to sign one of the more interesting options in Europe right now. Julian Nagelsmann, now Bayern boss, once called Laimer a ‘ball-winning machine’ while working with him at Leipzig.
Chelsea join race for Konrad Laimer
It was inevitable that teams would line up for Laimer. He’s just that good and a player most elite clubs could easily slot into their XI.
Because Nagelsmann wasn’t kidding with that quote. Statistically, Laimer is the best pressing-midfielder in Europe, averaging more per 90 than any other player.
That’s the kind of ability Jurgen Klopp would love to have in his midfield. Especially as his current midfield struggles to control games – having Laimer in there would immediately make Liverpool horrible to play against once again.
And given the constant speculation around Jude Bellingham moving to Anfield, it’s easy to see Liverpool’s perfect 2023. Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner will all be out of contract and possibly move on.
That frees up space in the squad for multiple midfielders – and the money with which to sign them. Getting both Bellingham and Laimer would be the sensational business that transforms the Reds.
But it won’t be easy. Chelsea will want both players, we imagine. Real Madrid want Bellingham, too. Bayern are big favourites to land Laimer. Liverpool’s dream is there for the taking but it will take a lot of work to make it reality.
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