Profile of RB Leizpig star and Austria international Konrad Laimer
, who was the subject of an enquiry by Liverpool before the transfer deadline
Liverpool continue to be linked with a move for RB Leipzig's Konrad Laimer weeks after the transfer window slammed shut.
The Reds added to their midfield ranks on deadline day with the addition of Arthur Melo on loan from Juventus. Initially, it was understood the club would look to bolster the position next summer, but a number of injuries forced Jurgen Klopp's hand.
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool's new addition is a long-term solution, but with three of the squad's current midfield out of contract next summer, there will certainly be new faces in 2023 as there remains an undoubted need for a refresh. While Jude Bellingham has been heavily linked as the reported number-one target, there is no guarantees he will join with the rest of Europe's top clubs also eyeing a move for the England international.
One player Liverpool were linked with in the latter stages of the window and continue to be tipped to sign is Leipzig's Laimer. A report from The Athletic earlier this month claimed the Reds enquired about the Austria international but their approach was shut down as the Bundesliga club were reluctant to lose the player so close to the deadline.
However, he's now in the final year of his contract with the club and could be available on a free transfer next summer if he refuses to pen a fresh deal, or could even be sold at a cut-price in January if Leipzig opt to cash-in before potentially losing him for nothing.
The 25-year-old began his career in the academy of Austrian side USC Abersee Youth before he joined RB Salzburg's youth set-up in 2007. He rose through the age-groups, featuring at under-15, under-16 and under-18 level before he joined second-tier side FC Liefering in 2014
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He was there just half a season before he returned to Salzburg in January 2015, this time joining their senior set-up. He made over 70 appearances during his time with the 16-time Austrian Bundesliga Champions, scoring eight goals and registering six assists.
He then completed the move to RB Leipzig in July 2017 and earned his first national team call-up shortly after for Austria's World Cup qualifiers against Wales and Georgia. However, he only earned his first cap two years later in 2019 not long after his 22nd birthday - he played 82 minutes of a Euros qualifier against Slovenia.
Now, he has 24 caps for Austria and two goals under his belt. For Leipzig, since joining the Bundesliga club in 2017, he's made over 160 appearances in all competitions with 11 goals and 18 assists. He signed a fresh deal with the club in 2020 and played alongside Liverpool stars Naby Keita and Ibrahima Konate, who both made the move to Merseyside in recent years
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