German international and Wolfsburg playmaker Julian Draxler has announced in no uncertain terms that he wants to leave his club this summer.
The 22-year-old was linked with Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool at the beginning of July in the Express, with a £50m price-tag mooted – which in this day and age – is probably reasonable for a player of Draxler’s potential.
Now, Draxler has declared he wishes to leave, with one month left until the transfer window closes.
SEE MORE:
Five winners from Liverpool’s Tour of America, including Brazilian & wonderkid winger
“Before you go public like that, you really should speak with me first,” Draxler told German newspaper Bild, translated by Sky Sports.
“The situation with me is that I made it clear to (head coach) Dieter Hecking after we were knocked out of Euro 2016 in the semi-final that I would like to leave Wolfsburg.
“The coach has known about this for three weeks. It’s very surprising that they have been talking about me to the media for weeks.
“I would have expected things to be different, for example for one of them to come to me and ask me how things are with me.”
“When I joined, I was assured – verbally – that I could leave the club whenever the opportunity arose,” Draxler said.
“Both Hecking and (sporting director) Klaus Allofs said this. It was clear that Wolfsburg had good prospects, but also that they were a springboard for me.”
Draxler is a serious talent, and perhaps if these comments were public before we signed Sadio Mane and Gini Wijnaldum, he could have been a target – but we can’t see us entering the chase now.
Liverpool are very well stocked in attacking in midfield, with the likes of Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, Adam Lallana, Sheyi Ojo, Lazar Markovic and the aforementioned new signings competing for spots. So despite Draxler’s ability, he’s not required – especially considering his best position is on the left – where Coutinho currently plies his trade.
If we are to enter the transfer market again, having already acquired seven players – it’ll be for a fullback – with very little support currently available for Nathaniel Clyne and Alberto Moreno.