Despite reports claiming Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud had agreed to join Borussia Dortmund, this is wide of the mark.
Dahoud was subject of heavy interest from Liverpool last summer, with Jurgen Klopp looking to add the promising midfielder to his squad for the 2016/17.
But despite interest from the Reds as well as Dortmund and Tottenham Hotspur, Gladbach retained their brightest young talent, after seeing both Granit Xhaka and Havard Nordveit leave.
Though they hoped Dahoud would extend his contract at Borussia-Park, this has not been the case so far.
And according to German publication Bild, this has seen Dahoud agree to join Dortmund in a deal worth just £8.5 million, due to a clause in the 21-year-old’s contract.
However, Gladbach sporting director Max Eberl has told RP Online that this is not the case, but admitted that the club could look to sell if Dahoud doesn’t agree a new deal.
“Nothing has changed, we have a great desire to extend the contract and I hope that we will come to the table,” he said.
“So we will go on, and if it does not work, he still has a year contract in the summer.
“So then we’d have to look into his eyes and see what is best for everyone.”
Eberl’s concession about Dahoud’s future is an interesting one, with Gladbach clearly keen to capitalise on interest in the Germany U21 international if a deal is not agreed.
With Eberl quashing speculation of a move to Dortmund, Dahoud still remains an attainable target for Liverpool in the summer.
Whether that is for £8.5 million or more is questionable, though there have been previous suggestions the Syrian-born star does have a release clause in his contract.
Dahoud has struggled for form in 2016/17 so far, making just 25 appearances in all competitions, scoring once and assisting two goals, but he is still a hugely promising young player.
At this stage, he finds himself in a similar position to Liverpool’s Emre Can, with the 23-year-old yet to agree an extension to his contract at Anfield.
Can will have 12 months left on his deal in the summer, like Dahoud, and there have been claims the Reds could sell their No. 23 if he does not sign new terms before the end of the season.
The former Bayer Leverkusen midfielder has struggled to adapt to a new role this season, but it is one that Dahoud could pick up quickly.
While it is unlikely Klopp would allow Can to leave in the summer, given his faith in the compatriot, Dahoud’s availability does make for an interesting alternative if that is the case.
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