Liverpool attract 'interest' of German superstar as repeat of Thiago deal eyed

Liverpool could eye a repeat of their deal to sign Thiago Alcantara by targeting a similarly proven and decorated midfielder from Bayern Munich. Arne Slot is yet to welcome any new players to his squad, with Liverpool the only Premier League club still waiting to make their first summer signing.

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who was previously linked with Arsenal, was earmarked as a target for the Merseyside giants earlier this month. However, it has since emerged that he will not be joining Liverpool after turning down the opportunity.

Liverpool may decide to switch their focus to the potential signing of Leon Goretzka, who has been tipped to leave Bayern this summer. He was left out of their matchday squad last weekend, fuelling speculation that he could soon depart for another club.

Goretzka's priority is to stay at the Allianz Arena but the 29-year-old would be interested in joining Liverpool if he is put up for sale, according to Sky Germany. It is also said that he would be keen on moving to Barcelona and Real Madrid if the opportunity arises.

A move for Goretzka would bear similarities to Liverpool's pursuit of Thiago, who joined from Bayern in 2020 before leaving at the end of last season. His spell at Anfield was plagued by a never-ending series of injuries, leading to him making just 98 appearances in four years.

Liverpool would be hoping for Goretzka to avoid the same fate if he ends up moving to Merseyside ahead of next week's transfer deadline. If he can stay fit, there is every chance he would be a shrewd acquisition for the Reds given his experience and impressive physical qualities.

Goretzka is valued at around £25million by Transfermarkt and a move at that price would be a terrific piece of business. His work rate in the engine room would allow the likes of Dominic Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister to thrive further forward, giving a new dimension to Liverpool's midfield.

Rudi Voller, the sporting director of the Germany national team, recently admitted that it would 'make sense' for Goretzka to leave Bayern this summer. He was left out of Julian Nagelsmann's squad for the Euros after enduring a turbulent time of things in the Bundesliga last season.

"He logically still has the quality to be part of the 2026 World Cup," said Voller. "It probably makes sense for him to move if he still has these aspirations. It makes sense to play somewhere else again, but in the end he has to decide for himself."