Liverpool are set to push forward with their attempts to sign Christian Pulisic in January, despite Borussia Dortmund’s hardline stance.
Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc told Bild that pursuing Pulisic was “not worth the effort” for the Reds, with the 18-year-old established as a key player at the Westfalenstadion.
Liverpool already saw their £11 million bid for the United States winger turned down in the summer, but with Jurgen Klopp in search of a winger, they are set to renew their efforts.
That is according to Goal’s Melissa Reddy, who claims that Pulisic is Klopp’s priority target, ahead of Bayer Leverkusen youngster Julian Brandt.
Furthermore, despite Dortmund’s reluctance to part ways with their promising young talent, Reds owners Fenway Sports Group are reportedly willing to back Klopp to the hilt in January.
That could result in a £25 million bid for Pulisic, though Reddy reiterates that “Klopp is prepared to pull the plug on any deal should discussions get silly.”
Pulisic has scored two goals and laid on six assists in 12 appearances for Dortmund so far this season, and his current contract with Klopp’s former side runs until 2019.
Klopp is clearly an admirer of Pulisic’s talents, with the Pennsylvania native emerging in the Dortmund academy during his time with the club.
If Liverpool were able to sign Pulisic, this could come during the Bundesliga’s winter break, and would allow Klopp to navigate the departure of Sadio Mane to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Already without Philippe Coutinho (ankle), Danny Ings (knee) and Daniel Sturridge (calf) through injury, Klopp’s desire for reinforcement is warranted.
However, the fact that Klopp is only willing to sign the right player, and potentially wait until the summer if not, is an encouraging one.
The likes of Divock Origi, Sheyi Ojo and Ben Woodburn are able to provide cover in the attacking areas, and have proved able in the past.
Origi and Woodburn both scored in Tuesday night’s 2-0 win over Leeds United in the League Cup and Ojo returned from a back injury to play for the Liverpool U23s on Saturday.
But if Klopp can convince Dortmund to part ways with Pulisic, he would be drafting in an exceptional young player, who would boost Liverpool’s title hopes significantly.
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