Wolfsburg star Julian Draxler has been linked with almost all top Premier League clubs over the last few years. It is unsurprising that the German is now rumoured to be a transfer target for Jurgen Klopp. Even though transfer rumours surrounding Draxler have existed for several years, he is just 22. Draxler has a release clause of £63 million in his contract, but it does not seem high for a player who is still eligible to be part of the Olympic squad. Draxler has many years of football left in him and could develop his game substantially under the right coach.
Klopp will have his reasons behind the links with Draxler. Official talks are yet to take place, but it is better for Liverpool that they sign the player quickly before he gets snapped up by other top clubs. Draxler would be a great signing for Liverpool due to various reasons. After having just sold the Christian Benteke, Liverpool’s squad may be seen short of forwards. However, the extremely fluidic formation and the style of play on offered by Klopp is best suited for players like Draxler.
The Wolfsburg winger has the vision, pace, and the skill to fit right into the Liverpool team in a number of positions. Following the addition of Sadio Mane from Southampton for £34 million, this Liverpool team does not seem to have a lot of spaces left for another top player like Draxler. The 22-year-old is based in an attacking midfield position, but he can also play in the wings. The left wing is taken up by Philippe Coutinho while the right by Sadio Mane. Both seemed tailor-made for these roles while the central striking position is currently occupied by Roberto Firmino.
If Draxler comes to Anfield, it may be as a replacement for the highly injury prone Daniel Sturridge. The England international is a goal scorer without a doubt, but his fragility is starting to annoy Klopp. After one of his best seasons with Wolfsburg, it is almost certain that the German club will not settle for anything less than £50 million. For this money, Liverpool will be getting a youngster who has scored five and assisted five in 19 league starts for Wolfsburg last season. It effectively means a contribution of a goal – directly and indirectly – every other game, and it could only get better as the player gets more experience.
After the Burnley loss, Klopp ruled out panic buys; Draxler, though, is a necessity.