Journalist confirms Liverpool were "really interested" in RB Leipzig maestro, but deal was "impossible"

Liverpool were ‘really interested’ in bringing RB Leipzig midfielder Konrad Laimer to Anfield towards the end of the transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano

The Austrian midfielder is out of contract next summer, but the German side want to keep hold of him for this season.

Laimer has been attracting attention from Europe’s top clubs for several years, with Bayern Munich showing a particular interest in signing him last summer.

And Liverpool were desperate to add a player in that area of the pitch when Jordan Henderson picked up an injury against Newcastle.

The Reds ended up bringing in Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo on loan with an option to buy for around £32m.

Jurgen Klopp's side were already interested in players like Aurelien Tchouameni earlier in the window, whilst a late flurry for Arthur’s former teammate Denis Zakaria was revealed after the deadline.

Romano said, on Laimer, that: “Liverpool were really interested in Konrad Laimer as new midfielder but it was impossible to negotiate with Leipzig on last week of August.”

“Laimer’s contract expires next June and there are many clubs interested — especially Bayern, as (Julian) Nagelsmann is big fan.”

Nagelsmann used to coach Laimer in his tenure in charge of RB Leipzig between 2019-2021.

The Austrian is particularly impressive within his statistics. According to fbref.com, Laimer is in the 99th percentile for pressures in the last 365 days.

He is also in the 93rd percentile for expected assists, showcasing his creative skills as a central midfielder.

The Reds have suffered a crisis of personnel in the role, with Naby Keita, Curtis Jones, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and the aforementioned Henderson on the sidelines currently. Thiago Alcantara has only just returned, and Arthur isn’t match fit yet.

It is clear to see why the top clubs in Europe are after the midfielder, and the Reds will hope to continue their established relationship with the Red Bull clubs to bring him in.

Ibrahima Konate, Keita and Takumi Minamino have all arrived from their sides in recent years.