Bayer Leverkusen winger Julian Brandt has seemingly ruled out a move to Bayern Munich, with the Liverpool target stressing the need for playing time at a new club.
Brandt has emerged as one of Jurgen Klopp‘s priority targets for the summer transfer window, with the German looking to add to his attacking ranks.
But with Brandt establishing himself as one of the most exciting young talents in Europe, making his Germany debut in May of last year, the 21-year-old is attracting many suitors.
One of those is Bayern, who were previously reported to have already agreed a deal with the winger, which his father and agent vehemently denied.
Addressing speculation linking him with a move to Munich in an interview with German magazine FOCUS, Brandt seemingy ruled such a move out.
With Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben, Kingsley Coman and Douglas Costa already among Carlo Ancelotti’s wingers, Brandt is eager for regular first-team football next season.
“Of course, if you change [clubs], it’s not guaranteed you play,” Brandt explained.
“And I believe that it is very important to play a lot of games next season, which is definitely the case here in Leverkusen.”
One of the key driving forces behind Brandt’s next move, or whether he will remain at Leverkusen, is ensuring a place in the Germany squad for the World Cup in 2018.
Making the wrong step, and spending a season on th bench, could see Brandt drop down the pecking order under Joachim Low.
However, it is likely that, if Leverkusen are relegated from the Bundesliga this season, Brandt could find himself in a similar situation if he opted to stay.
Leverkusen are currently three points off the relegation zone, with three games left to play, including against fellow candidates for the drop FC Ingolstadt.
With Liverpool playing in either the Europa League or the Champions League next season, Brandt could be provided the minutes he desires if he joined Klopp’s squad.
His ability to play in a variety of roles, on either flank, in midfield or even as an auxiliary striker, makes him an ideal signing for the Reds.
And with Sadio Mane the only senior wide option at Klopp’s disposal, Brandt could expect to feature heavily, under a manager who appreciates his talents.
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