West Ham are interested in signing Borussia Dortmund ace Mario Gotze on a free transfer in the summer, according to a report from German publication Sport Bild. With the German having recently suggested that he is keen to play under Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, however, could the Hammers be fighting a losing battle?
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The 27-year-old German played under the Reds boss for five years during their time together at Dortmund.
And Gotze recently told reporters how the desire to play under the Liverpool manager is still there. He also refused to rule out ever moving to Anfield, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo:
“The desire to play for him still exists. He is a world class coach and that’s why it’s always an option.”
Gotze on a free could be an attractive proposition
The German World Cup winner could be available on a free transfer this summer, if he fails to agree terms on a new deal with Dortmund.
And he might be a great bargain signing for West Ham.
Could Klopp attempt to challenge the Hammers, however? The German tried to sign Gotze in 2016, according to the Liverpool Echo.
And the Reds boss has previously labelled the 27-year-old as the greatest young player he has ever coached, according to Bundesliga.com.
Stats
Gotze has racked up 45 goals and 61 assists in 217 games for Dortmund (Transfermarkt).
In 13 Bundesliga outings this season, the 27-year-old has averaged 19.5 passes per game with an impressive completion rate of 85% (Who Scored).
He is clearly not the player he once was. But who’s to say that he couldn’t recapture his best form if he moved away from Germany for a fresh challenge?
His availability on a free means that it will be a signing with little risk attached for West Ham.
But if Liverpool decide to make another play for Gotze, the Hammers might just be fighting a losing battle for the World Cup winner.
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