Zielinski made to wait – Door still ajar for Götze

Liverpool have still not pushed through a deal that would see Piotr Zielinski make the switch to Anfield.

The 22-year-old was deemed to be ‘in the bag’ several weeks back now, but as stated on our members’ website recently, Reds’ boss Jürgen Klopp was hesitating in proceeding.

KOPTALK sources believe that Zielinski was never a primary target and has always been considered a ‘fall-back’ option with Liverpool officials currently preferring to concentrate on Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Mahmoud Dahoud (20) instead.

However, Liverpool’s attempts to land Dahoud are proving difficult with his club and his representatives claiming he would be better continuing his development where he is for another season at least.

The agency that represents Dahoud also have Reds’ midfielder Emre Can and former loanee Nuri Sahin within their network. It is claimed that during recent talks for Dahoud, that Sahin’s availability was also discussed, hence the reports this week that claimed Klopp was looking at possibly bringing him back to Anfield.

Liverpool’s hesitancy to complete Zielinski has resulted in his agent now talking to other clubs including Italian outfit Napoli. He recently stated that Liverpool’s chances of securing his client were now at risk, a gamble that Klopp is willing to take.

A source told us: “He (Klopp) has so far failed to secure 2 primary targets. Dahoud could be a 3rd because his camp are indicating that although he’s flattered in Liverpool’s interest, he would be better staying in Germany. Talks haven’t ceased. Dahoud wants to talk to his elders.

“It’s been a little disappointing but Klopp could still secure [Mario] Götze. That is far from dead. His camp are playing along [with Bayern’s public stance]. He could still leave after the Euros. Liverpool would really need to charm him though.”

As well having an interest in Zielinski, Napoli are also interest in Hector Herrera (26), another player who Liverpool officials have registered an interest in. Dialogue with his agent is ongoing.

While Liverpool have a substantial list of ‘options’ that include players like Ben Chilwell, Jonas Hector, Ruben Neves and Gonzalo Higuain (we haven’t approached but he has been offered to us) plus a handful more, there seems to be a delay in pushing any them over the line.

We are informed that this is because the manager is unable to proceed with some business because he may need a significant portion of his transfer kitty for someone else who he has his heart set on. Sadly, despite almost 2 decades of covering Liverpool FC news for you, we’re not sure who exactly that is. We could put forward the obvious suggestions but that’s probably best left to the narcissistic charlatans on Twitter who were on potties when KopTalk was launched back in the 1990s.

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These delays will of course hold up other activity. Liverpool also have no European football which obviously makes things more difficult plus players can delay making decisions about their futures until after the Euros.

Another key factor in holding up business is that the club is yet to move anyone of any value out.

The source added: “There’s a lot of options but the manager needs to prioritise until he’s moved some out.

“A striker for example? The club needs to find buyers for Mario [Balotelli] and Christian [Benteke] first. The message from above is clear: ‘Sell them before thinking about your Higuains’.

“Klopp is definitely focused on the potential chemistry of his targets. I have seen one instance where he thinks he needs to sign 2 players that would work well together and if the club can’t make both happen and can only secure one of them, he would rather pass if he can’t get the duo. I’m sure this isn’t the case often but it has happened once this summer with the 2nd deal proving impossible to broker.

“Funds are available but the manager is taking his time. Give it a week and they will be drawing up contract offers [to present to agents] because they could lose a couple [of targets] if they’re not careful.

“Klopp is cool about it. He won’t panic. He’s just having to take his time a little. When the time is right, he will complete. He won’t gamble losing a significant target but some additions he could survive without.”