Liverpool appear to have no chance of signing Joshua Kimmich to strengthen their midfield after the Germany international pledged his future to Bayern Munich.
With Fabinho and Jordan Henderson in line to leave for Saudi Arabian clubs, Liverpool are looking for an experienced defensive midfielder. They have already signed Alexis MacAllister and Dominik Szoboszlai this summer, but they need someone to sit behind them and in front of the defense.
One player who could fill that vacancy is Kimmich. Recently, it was suggested that Liverpool might be interested in the Bayern enforcer. Kimmich can also play at right-back, which would allow Trent Alexander-Arnold to move into midfield as another way to set up. Therefore, Kimmich could be useful for Liverpool. However, the 28-year-old has now shot down rumors of him turning his back on his home country.
During their pre-season tour of Asia, Kimmich said, “I’m very sure I'll play for FC Bayern in the new season.” There are still two years remaining on Kimmich’s contract in Bavaria. This will bring him to a decade of club service if fulfilled. Since joining in 2015, Kimmich has made 347 appearances for the Germans, scoring 40 goals and providing 94 assists.
He has won 20 club awards and has also been capped 79 times by Germany. But it now appears certain that he won’t join his compatriot Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
Liverpool turn to Lavia for midfield and Bradley for defence
Liverpool might be better off buying Romeo Lavia from Southampton. Reports suggest that the relegated star has chosen the Reds as the club he wants to join next instead of Arsenal or Chelsea.
With that in mind, Liverpool are ready to negotiate with Southampton about a transfer fee for the 19-year-old. The asking price seems to be £50 million, but Liverpool will try a lower bid first.
It remains to be seen if they will save funds to improve right-back. As stated, Kimmich could have covered both roles, providing much-needed support for Alexander-Arnold. Journalist Alan Nixon recently suggested that Liverpool could keep Conor Bradley after his loan spell at Bolton Wanderers. After coming through the academy ranks on Merseyside, the Northern Ireland international might be reintegrated to support Alexander-Arnold.
Other clubs would like to take him on loan, but Klopp could give him his competitive debut for Liverpool and further opportunities in the months ahead, especially with Europa League involvement presenting a platform for him to rotate his options.
Promoting Bradley instead of signing a replacement right-back could be a useful way to save money for Liverpool to invest in their midfield. Liverpool's midfield overhaul is underway
Liverpool are expected to sign more midfielders before the upcoming season begins.
