Liverpool: Dahoud release clause revealed; Lucas exit latest; defender to sign

By John Arkless

Liverpool’s successful summer transfer window has seen them invest in five new faces, but they have also struggled to secure certain targets, leaving the club with some work to do before the end of the season if they are to increase their chances of a top 4 finish this season.

One of those names that appears to have evaded Liverpool this summer is Borussia Moenchengladbach youngster Mahmoud Dahoud. The 20-year-old holding midfielder impressed Jurgen Klopp with some excellent performances last season, helping his side finish fourth place in the Bundesliga for a second successive season, but a deal for the youngster was never struck. This was mainly due to the Germans losing both Granit Xhaka and Harvard Nordveit to Arsenal and West Ham respectively, and even a suggested fee of £25 million was not enough for Gladbach to consider seeling.

Embed from Getty Images

However, it has been reported that the midfielder may have a release clause of just £8.5 million in his contract, which comes into effect from next season. This would change things dramatically for Liverpool, who could still get their man, but for a considerably cheaper price if they wait for another season.

Waiting would not necessarily be a bad thing for the Reds. Dahoud is a very talented youngster, and his ability to break up play and keep the ball is something that Liverpool really lack in central midfield at the moment. However, saving money, seeing how Dahoud develops in a midfield where he will now be the star man could be a beneficial tactic before making a move for the youngster next season.

Considering that any move for Dahoud looks dead for this summer, it may be worth Liverpool hanging onto their current central midfield group for the upcoming season, and that now looks a likely prospect after Lucas Leiva’s proposed move to Galatasaray collapsed.

Embed from Getty Images

Lucas, who has made 313 appearances in nine seasons at Anfield may not be in the first team picture, but his ability to fill in as a brutal midfield destroyer or an auxiliary centre back has already been of great use to Jurgen Klopp, and his experience and rapport with the fans will go down well as the club move into yet another transitional phase.

Although it would not have been too much of a loss on the pitch for Liverpool, his exit would certainly have been negative for squad depth and would have meant that a lot of experience was lost for the squad. It is better for everyone that Lucas will be around next season.

Another player who looks as if he will be at Anfield next season is former Barcelona right-back Juanma, who impressed after a ten day trial.

Embed from Getty Images

The 19-year-old is not considered as a first team option at the current time, and will join the under-23 squad subject to a medical, and can play across the defence. He has been compared to Pablo Zabaleta by under-23 manager Michael Beale, who is optimistic about the Spaniard’s future at Anfield.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Maikall Key