Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Liverpool identify Jude Bellingham alternative in Bundesliga after blowing four Prem rivals away

Florian Neuhaus and Joshua Kimmich

Liverpool have revived their interest in Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Florian Neuhaus, according to a report, after looking at him before in 2021.

Neuhaus was previously on Liverpool’s radar when they were looking for a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum. Ultimately, they failed to address that void appropriately. Now, they are playing catch-up in their midfield evolution.

Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will leave when their contracts expire in the summer. Furthermore, Arthur Melo will not be sticking around after his loan spell from Juventus. Liverpool must also decide whether to retain James Milner or not.

This time around, they cannot afford to leave themselves light in midfield again. However, they have dropped out of the race to sign one of their top targets, Jude Bellingham, this summer.

According to 90min, Liverpool might turn their attention to a different Bundesliga midfielder by pursuing Neuhaus instead.

Neuhaus is approaching the final year of his contract with Borussia Monchengladbach, which could give Liverpool their best chance yet of signing him.

The report claims their interest is “firm”, whereas the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Newcastle have all looked at Neuhaus but not made him a top target yet.

READ MORELiverpool ‘seduced’ by dominant midfielder with leadership qualities as £44m Man City battle begins

Elsewhere in Europe, the 26-year-old also appeals to AC Milan, Napoli and Roma, as well as a few unnamed clubs in La Liga.

There have been some initial talks with Borussia Monchengladbach about a new contract too. But Neuhaus’ representatives want to gather as much interest as possible in their client.

And Liverpool have quickly established themselves as one of the main contenders for his signature, two years later than they could – and perhaps should – have taken him.

Liverpool still have Bellingham plan

Interestingly, the report adds that Liverpool might still have a plan revolving around Bellingham. Although they won’t be meeting Borussia Dortmund’s asking price this summer, they could make a new move for him next year if he has undergone another season with the German giants.

After all, by then, Bellingham might only have a year left on his contract, which should make him available for a more reasonable fee in theory.

For now, Neuhaus might be a more palatable piece of business for Liverpool. They are looking to make more than just one midfield signing ahead of next season and thus will need to allocate some funds towards other targets too.

Neuhaus has made 18 appearances between the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal this season, either side of a knee injury. He has scored once in each competition.

Overall, his record for the club is 166 appearances, 22 goals and 24 assists. Previously, he has played for 1860 Munich and Fortuna Dusseldorf.

Therefore, Liverpool would be taking him outside of German football for the first time if they were to lure him to the Premier League in the summer.

The report doesn’t mention how much it might cost to sign Neuhaus exactly. More details should emerge if Liverpool decide to take further steps with their interest in the 10-cap Germany international.