£288K/week midfielder "open" to Premier League switch amid talk of a Liverpool bid

Liverpool are still on the lookout for a new defensive midfielder after Fabinho left the club to join Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad in the summer.

Wataru Endo can now be considered as his replacement given how well his most recent displays in the no.6 role have been.

His departure to the Asian Cup in Qatar has been mitigated by the short break the Reds have been afforded since they beat Fulham 2-1 in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.

Yet, the question remains. Who will Liverpool sign to replace Fabinho long term.

Because of course, Endo is 30 so is not likely to occupy the position much longer than for this season.

So, who will it be? Morten Frendrup? Andre? Joao Palhinha?

What about Joshua Kimmich?

At the start of January, a report from Spanish news outlet AS claimed that Liverpool and Manchester United "would not frown upon making an offer this summer for Kimmich."

More recently, it was stated by the Daily Star the Bayern Munich midfielder wants to sign for Manchester City although there haven't been any reliable reports to confirm this.

Then, Sky Germany claimed that Paris Saint-Germain "are working on a transfer" to sign Kimmich in the summer. They are said to have brought in intermediaries to facilitate talks between PSG and Kimmich.

Now, Sky Germany's extremely reliable Kerry Hau reports that Bayern would and the player would be open to a January transfer window sale.

The Tweet below is in German but you can translate it with their built in feature.

It's not an issue for either as there are "currently no negotiations underway" regarding an extension to Kimmich's £288,000 per week contract which will expire on 30 June 2025. Bayern have January 2024, the 2024 summer transfer window and the 2025 January transfer window to sell the 28-year-old otherwise they will lose him for free.

Crucially, England and Spain are said to be more attractive destinations than France and PSG. With no disrespect to PSG and Bayern, the prospect of playing in Ligue 1 after playing in the Bundesliga doesn't hold any attraction for the midfielder compared to the Premier League and La Liga.

Liverpool would be an incredible next step for Kimmich

Aside from obvious links such as Kimmich and Jurgen Klopp both being German, there are several reasons why Liverpool would be an incredible next step.

First of all, Anfield is one of the best stadiums in the world. For the final few years of playing at an elite level, where better to do so? If he were able to come in and help win silverware, he would be idolised and etched into Anfield folklore forever.

Secondly, Liverpool need a defensive midfielder. Mentioned this already but the need for a top no.6 cannot be ignored if the Reds are to ensure their form this season remains consistent over the next few years. There's an open spot in the team for Kimmich. He just needs to take it.

Thirdly and lastly, the Premier League would confirm Kimmich's legacy as one of the best midfielders of his generation. Unfortunately for Bundesliga and, more specifically, Bayer Munich players, their achievements are glossed over given the comparative quality of the league.

In England, Kimmich would receive more attention and praise for his success than he does in Germany. Liverpool should do everything they can to sign defensive midfielder.

It won't be expensive either as Bayern need to sell so won't be able to demand too much.

Really, this is a no-brainer.