Liverpool transfer move for Timo Werner looked ‘nailed on’ but may now face delay, says Jamie Carragher

Reds have been strongly linked with a move for Werner across the past 12 months

Karl Matchett
Wednesday 15 April 2020 05:25 EDT
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Liverpool have been frequently mentioned in relation to a big summer move for a fourth attacker this year, with Timo Werner one of the names at the top of the list.

The Reds have been impressed with the German forward over the past couple of campaigns and The Independent reported earlier this year on the conditions which would see Liverpool make a firm move for him.

But after the recent postponement of games due to the coronavirus pandemic and with the timing of matches and financial uncertainty surrounding the sport at present, any bid may now be pushed back, says former Reds defender Jamie Carragher.

Speaking on an Instagram Q-and-A, the Sky Sports pundit said the move looked a certainty before recent events unfolded.

“It looked nailed on before the situation we’re in now so it may affect transfers this summer,” said Carragher, responding to a question over whether Liverpool would move for the RB Leipzig man.

“It may have to be put on the back burner, maybe for the following summer.”

There has been a suggestion that clubs will not want to spend the huge sums on transfers which have been commonplace in previous years.

Liverpool have also been linked with the likes of Jadon Sancho and Kylian Mbappe, though Werner is seen as a player in a more realistic price range.

Leipzig chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff “deeply relaxed” about the situation and cited Werner’s long-term deal, which runs until 2023, as being in his club’s favour.

Mintzlaff also said that the forward “hasn’t signalled yet that he wants to leave at the end of the season,” though Werner has openly spoken about his admiration for Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s style of play and willingness to join a club where he can compete for major honours and continue to improve as a player.

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