Liverpool’s search for future midfield options appears to be continuing, with another interesting name now being linked with a move to Anfield.
According to Christian Falk and CF Bayern, Liverpool are showing interest in PSV midfielder Paul Wanner as they assess potential future additions to their squad. Liverpool have also been reported to be closely monitoring the 20-year-old’s development.
Wanner has already made 40 appearances for PSV since moving from Bayern Munich last summer, and there is currently no indication that Bayern are looking to bring him back to Germany.
And this is certainly a player worth keeping an eye on.
Who is Paul Wanner?
Wanner came through the Bayern Munich academy and made his first-team debut as a teenager before spending time on loan with Elversberg and Heidenheim.
He eventually made the permanent move to PSV, where he has continued his development and become an increasingly important player.
He’s predominantly an attacking midfielder but can also operate in a deeper role, with that versatility potentially appealing to Liverpool.
That ability to play in different midfield positions is particularly interesting to me.
Liverpool need more competition in midfield
I’ve said this a few times recently, but I really do think Liverpool need to keep looking at their midfield.
Mac Allister, Szoboszlai and Gravenberch are excellent players, while Trey Nyoni and James McConnell are giving Iraola some exciting young options.
But Liverpool are competing on multiple fronts.
They need quality.
They need depth.
And, perhaps most importantly, they need genuine competition for places.
That’s why I like the idea of Wanner.
He’s only 20 and clearly isn’t the finished article, but that’s not necessarily what Liverpool should be looking for.
They should be looking for players who can develop into top-level footballers.
The numbers are encouraging
There are already some positive signs in Wanner’s game.
Last season in the Eredivisie, his underlying attacking numbers compared favourably with other midfielders, particularly for non-penalty expected goals, expected assists and big chances created.
He’s also continued to attract attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern among those reported to be monitoring him. PSV have reportedly put his potential value somewhere around €45m-€50m.
That’s obviously a significant amount of money for a 20-year-old.
Which brings me to my verdict.
My verdict: I really like this one
I’m actually very interested in this rumour.
Out of all the midfielders Liverpool have been linked with recently, Wanner is exactly the type of player I want the club to be looking at.
Young.
Technically gifted.
Versatile.
Already playing regularly at a good level.
And with plenty of room to improve.
I’m not saying Liverpool should throw £40m-plus at him tomorrow.
Far from it.
But I absolutely want the club to be having these conversations.
We’ve seen how quickly midfield can become a problem when the options aren’t quite right, and I don’t want Liverpool waiting until they desperately need another midfielder before doing something about it.
If the recruitment team genuinely believe Wanner can develop into a top Premier League midfielder, I’d be very happy for Liverpool to make a serious move.
And there’s another thing I like.
Liverpool aren’t just looking at established stars. They’re looking at players who could become stars.
That’s exactly how you build the next generation of a squad.
Paul Wanner is a rumour I’m definitely keeping an eye on — because, personally, I’d love to see Liverpool try to sign him.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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