Liverpool may be set to miss out on one of their primary summer targets, with Borussia Monchengladbach keen to keep hold of Mahmoud Dahoud.
Dahoud first emerged on Liverpool’s radar in April, with widespread reports suggesting the Reds would compete with Tottenham Hotspur and Borussia Dortmund for the German’s signature.
The Syrian-born midfielder has been regularly linked with Jurgen Klopp‘s side since, either as an alternative or an accompaniment to fellow summer target Piotr Zielinski.
However, according to the Guardian‘s Ed Aarons, Gladbach have told clubs they are unwilling to sell.
This comes despite Liverpool being willing to pay around £25 million for the 20-year-old.
Gladbach have already sold key midfielder Granit Xhaka to Arsenal for £35 million, while backup option Havard Nordveit joined West Ham United on a free transfer, leaving the Bundesliga side reluctant to sell.
Furthermore, Dahoud is said to be willing to stay with the club “for another season,” with his contract currently set to run out at the end of 2017/18.
This could see Liverpool pick him up on for a lower fee next summer, though Gladbach are also preparing a new contract offer for their key talent.
Dahoud is poised to play a more advanced role in Gladbach’s midfield next season, following the arrival of defensive midfielders Christoph Kramer and Tobias Strobl.
Missing out his young target will be a disappointment for Klopp, who is poised to remould his midfield ranks this summer, with Zielinski potentially joining new arrival Marko Grujic.
Speaking to This is Anfield at the beginning of June, Bundesliga expert Stefan Bienkowski described Dahoud as “an ideal, long-term partner to Emre Can.”
“He’s a very young yet talented individual who excels in the middle of the park through his ability to make smart passes, dribble coherently and create chances as a traditional playmaker,” Bienkowski detailed.
“He certainly lacks experience but as things stand that doesn’t seem to be something that has got in his way.
“He was exceptional in the 2015/16 season for Gladbach.”
If Dahoud continues his development at Gladbach throughout 2016/17, Liverpool could face further competition for his signature, and whether they continue to push for a deal this summer remains to be seen.
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