Manager admits £34m Liverpool target is set to leave club

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Liverpool have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Donyell Malen after PSV manager Roger Schmidt admitted the attacker is likely to leave.

Malen was part of the Netherlands team that crashed out of Euro 2020 yesterday. The PSV star could do little as the Czech Republic went through, with a Matthijs De Ligt red card helping them along.

This weekend saw reports suggest that Liverpool were in talks over a £34m deal to bring Malen to Anfield.

And speaking to NOS, PSV boss Schmidt has conceded he is planning for life without Malen and his teammate, Denzel Dumfries.

That’s how it goes in football, especially at PSV, we lose one or two good players every year,” Schmidt said.

“It has been clear to me for some time that Donyell and Denzel are likely to leave. Actually last summer. I also take it into account and if they do stay, that is great. But we have to prepare ourselves that we will have to play without both next season.“

Malen fired in 27 goals last season and helped himself a couple of assists during the Euros. At 22, he very much fits the profile for Liverpool in terms of their current and future squads.

Schmidt’s admission, then, might have just paved the way here.

Malen perfect for Liverpool

Liverpool seem to find it hard to get players in to compete with their big three but Malen will do just that.

He looks a top player already and his pace, finishing, and general attacking play will serve the Reds well. At £34m too, it isn’t exactly a huge outlay either.

Malen impressed in the Euros and produced the goods at times. The Dutch did crash out, but there was more to it than just Malen’s efforts.

For Liverpool, this seems like a smart deal and the path seems a clear one now.