Anfield could be the site of one of soccer’s highest-profile reunions this summer, as Jurgen Klopp plots to lure Mario Gotze to Liverpool.
Liverpool is “confident” of signing Gotze from Bayern Munich during the summer transfer window, The Express’ Paul Joyce, The Mirror’s David Maddock and The Guardian’s Andy Hunter reported Monday. Gotze’s contract with Bayern Munich will expire after the 2016-17 season, and the reports claim Liverpool could secure the forward’s services by paying the German club a transfer fee of £15 million ($21.4 million) to £20 million ($28.5 million).
Gotze is most famous for scoring the game-winning goal in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final, edging Germany past Argentina in extra time.
While Gotze, 23, remains an important player for his national team, his club career has stalled. Bayern Munich paid £30 million ($43 million) to release Gotze from his contract with Borussia Dortmund, but he has failed to become an automatic starter in three seasons under head coach Pep Guardiola.
Carlo Ancelotti will replace Guardiola at Bayern Munich this summer, but the impending coaching change hasn’t convinced Gotze to extend his career with the club.
Gotze previously burst to prominence at Dortmund while Klopp served as manager. Gotze played a key role in Dortmund teams, which won back-to-back Bundesliga (German first division) titles in 2010-11 and 2011-12 and reached the UEFA Champions League final in 2013.
Klopp has identified Gotze as a high-priority in the summer transfer market, according to the reports. The relationship the two share could give the Reds an advantage over a host of potential rivals in the race for Gotze’s services.
Thumbnail photo via Tim Groothuis/Witters Sport/USA TODAY Sports Images
