Liverpool sweating on Bayern’s ‘ruthless strategy’ as Klopp’s transfer plans threatened | Football | Sport

Liverpool’s efforts to sign Serge Gnabry could be hampered by Bayern Munich’s hard-nosed approach to the German forward’s situation. The Reds are reportedly among the clubs interested in signing Gnabry amid a contract stand-off with Bayern, but may not get their way due to the Bavarian giants’ stance.

Gnabry has one year left on his contract with Bayern and has been stalling on committing his future to the club. His situation is much like that of team-mate Robert Lewandowski, who has stated he will not sign a new contract in order to try and push for an exit this summer.

Liverpool and Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Gnabry, according to Spanish publication Sport. The report states that Jurgen Klopp sees the 26-year-old as a potential replacement for Sadio Mane, who has joined Bayern for £34million, and Divock Origi, who has left on a free transfer for AC Milan.

That could be difficult because Kicker says that Bayern are ready to get tough with Gnabry. Rather than sell him this summer for around £34m (€40m), the German side are reportedly ready to pursue a ‘ruthless strategy’ by leaving the forward out of the team for a whole year just to teach him a lesson.

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Bayern chief Hasan Salihamidzic outlined the club’s stance recently. “I’m very clear about that, he’s a great guy,” Salihamidzic said. “We really want to keep him. We would love to extend with him. I think we showed him the necessary appreciation. I hope that he chooses FC Bayern. We will intensify the talks over the next few weeks. But if a player doesn’t want to decide for the club then it’s only fair to tell us so that we can find a solution that makes everyone happy.”

Real Madrid reportedly view Gnabry as a good replacement for Marco Asensio, who looks poised to leave the club this summer. Asensio has been linked with Liverpool, Chelsea, Milan and Manchester United after Real made it clear they won’t extend his contract, which is due to expire next summer.

Gnabry has been with Bayern since a transfer from Werder Bremen in the summer of 2017. After time on loan with Hoffenheim, he established himself in the team and has gone on to contribute 64 goals and 40 assists in 171 games for the club.