Liverpool target shrugs off Klopp interest with ‘more important’ claim, revealing concern for copying Arthur Melo

Konrad Laimer says summer transfer interest from Liverpool was not so intense as to spring a move, adding that he needs time to consider his future.

The Reds reportedly went after the RB Leipzig man this summer as a midfield reinforcement. Following a string of injuries in the engine room to start the season, Jurgen Klopp backtracked on his plan to stick, not twist.

In the end, Liverpool signed Juventus’ Brazilian Arthur Melo on loan with a £32million option to buy.

However, as has been something of a tradition in the past, Liverpool had interest in Leipzig’s star man. Austria international Laimer has entered the final year of his contract and also had strong interest from Bayern Munich.

But he decided to stay with Leipzig and rule out a move anywhere.

Speaking to BILD about his decision, Laimer insisted that he did not fancy a “hasty” departure at the end of the transfer window.

“It wasn’t so hot that anything would have happened,” the 26-year-old said.

“A hasty departure is not my thing. If I were to change clubs, I would want to think it through and decide calmly, not overnight.

“Especially since the first half of the season is very short anyway due to the World Cup and you wouldn’t have had time to settle in and find your feet.”

Laimer added that how people talk to him and his inner “feeling” about a transfer is “much more important to him”.

Sky Germany reported last week that Laimer signing a new contract at Leipzig is ‘very unlikely’. He is therefore more likely to move on at the end of the season, with Liverpool and Bayern still interested.

Liverpool move on from Laimer with Arthur

Liverpool in the end had to go for Arthur, who has struggled to nail down a starting role at both Barcelona and Juventus in his career.

While he has had the chances, he has never had the consistency to prove himself a regular starter throughout a season.

Liverpool will therefore ease him in to life at Anfield, especially since the Premier League will be brand new to him.

His first chance for minutes comes against Napoli in the Champions League on Wednesday.

As for Laimer, his side are also in the Champions League this season. He will hope his team can get past last season’s record of the last 16 stage and make the Bundesliga’s top four.

Putting in more good performances will stand him in good stead as he prepares to decide his future later on this year and into next year.