Julian Brandt’s Father Denies Bayern Munich Move

Liverpool’s pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen attacker Julian Brandt has received an unexpected boost, as the player’s father and agent ruled out speculation that a move to Bayern Munich is almost complete.

The 20-year-old winger has emerged as one of Jurgen Klopp’s high-value targets for the summer transfer window, and has been also linked with Tottenham, Manchester United and Everton, but reports in Germany recently suggested Carlo Ancelotti’s side had sealed a verbal agreement for a transfer.

However, those reports have now been rejected by Brandt senior, who claims his son has not yet been faced with a choice regarding where he will play next season.

“It is fake news that Julian has agreed on terms with Bayern,” Jurgen Brandt told Kicker. “Julian has never been in the situation where he had to – or wanted to – make a decision on his future.”

Brandt has been a regular in the Leverkusen team that is currently 11th in the Bundesliga. They have 32 points, while runaway leaders Bayern Munich, who are 12 clear of second-place RB Leipzig, are marching their way. Brandt has netted three times in 36 games so far in 2016-17.

Liverpool are third in the Premier League and are next in action on Wednesday, at home to Bournemouth.

Jurgen Klopp seeks to add more depth to his wide options in his front three. While speaking after Sadio Mane’s injury on Saturday, he admitted: “We don’t have a one on one replacement.”

With Liverpool’s hopes of securing a Champions League berth for next season being significantly boosted by results at the weekend, their hopes of signing a player like Brandt’s calibre have similarly improved.

A signing such as Brandt in the frontline would no doubt see Liverpool buoyant on a return to Europe’s elite, but there’s a long way to go yet.