Neymar’s £198million move to Paris Saint-Germain may have had both good and bad repercussions for Liverpool.
The Brazilian’s record transfer has seen Barcelona divert their focus towards Philippe Coutinho as their first choice replacement, whilst also seemingly bringing an end to one man’s career at PSG.
Attacking midfielder Julian Draxler is now up for grabs after being told he is no longer part of manager Unai Emery’s plans, according to French outlet L’Equipe.
Draxler signed from Wolfsburg in January for £30million and has since managed 26 appearances for the Ligue 1 giants.
Before his move to France, the German international was one of Europe’s hot properties and had reportedly been monitored by both Liverpool and Arsenal- both of which could be put on alert by the latest development.
Jurgen Klopp is also known to be an avid admirer of the 23-year-old and could be forced into the market for a player of Draxler’s mould if the worst case scenario does happen and Coutinho is sold to Barcelona.
That said, Liverpool have shown nothing to suggest they are prepared to shift from an adamance that their star playmaker will not be leaving this summer.
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The Reds are yet to make the most of the record transfer budget granted by owners Fenway Sports Group, thereby making room for a surprise or two between now and the transfer deadline.
Were Draxler to become available, then why not jump at the chance? He has experience at international level, in a German Bundesliga not too different to the Premier League and in a PSG side consisting of world class talent throughout the squad.
A deadly trio of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah is an injury away from disrupting Liverpool’s shape, meaning there is no harm in adding another viable option with Draxler’s versatility and quality.
Adding defensive reinforcements and keeping hold of Coutinho top the list of priorities, but there is nothing to rule out Klopp strengthening his attacking force even more.