Klopp’s key advantage leaves £81m lynchpin destined for Liverpool move

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Kai Havertz is edging closer to a move to Liverpool, who could beat Real Madrid to his signature, according to reports.

The 20-year-old has become one of Europe’s most sought-after young talents after his stunning form for his Bundesliga employers since the start of last season.

Twenty goals and seven assists in all competitions last term were coupled with the German making his senior international debut in September 2018, with Havertz following that up with nine goals and eight assists this time round.

Liverpool have long been linked with a move for the midfielder and Leverkusen’s sporting director has previously admitted that there is a chance the player could leave the club this summer.

According to El Desmarque, Real Madrid are also interested but they are set to lose out.

The source says that Havertz is angling for a move to Anfield due to the Reds being a more attractive proposition going forward than their Spanish counterparts.

What’s more, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp could be key in convincing Havertz to move to Merseyside given that he is also German.

Aside from that connection, Liverpool are also said to have the financial mettle to be able to outgun Madrid for Havertz’s signature.

Havertz, who has appeared seven times for Germany since his debut, is primed to feature at Euro 2020 if the tournament goes ahead as planned this summer.

 

 

Liverpool, meanwhile, had their hopes of a domestic and European double dashed on Wednesday after they were dumped out of the Champions League by Atletico Madrid.

The Reds had over 30 shots on goal in the second leg of their last 16 tie at Anfield but Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak was impenetrable.

Despite the Reds coasting to their first league title in 30 years, however, their celebrations could be affected by the coronavirus pandemic, with the British government reportedly set to force matches to be played behind closed doors.

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