Liverpool not pursuing Jonas Hector due to £20 million price tag – reports

August 3, 2016
Jack Lusby

Liverpool’s widely rumoured interest in Cologne left-back Jonas Hector is unlikely to result in a move due to his lofty valuation.

Hector has been reported to be on Jurgen Klopp‘s radar for much of 2016, but despite a number of reliable reports in his homeland suggesting he could be set for a move, this never materialised.

The 26-year-old has since told German publication Bild that he could sign a contract extension with the club.

“Don’t rule it out. We will clarify the issue internally,” he explained.

“There is no stress, because my contract runs until 2018.”

This hasn’t stopped Liverpool supporters campaigning for a move to sign the versatile defender, with their hopes magnified following a mixed pre-season for Alberto Moreno.

The Spaniard produced a disappointing performance against Chelsea in the International Champions Cup, while injury in a friendly defeat to AS Roma compounded Liverpool’s need to find cover.

But according to the Liverpool Echo, while Klopp may move into the transfer market to sign a new left-back, it’s unlikely to be Hector.

This is due to Cologne valuing the Germany international at £20 million, with James Pearce reporting that the Reds “don’t believe he’s worth [that].”

This comes after Liverpool pulled out of a bid to sign young left-back Ben Chilwell from Leicester City this summer, with the Foxes asking for around £10 million for the 19-year-old.

Chilwell has since signed a new five-year contract to remain at the King Power Stadium, leaving the Reds short on options.

Klopp has previously intimated that he would be happy to employ James Milner as cover for Moreno, but a specialist option would clearly be ideal.

Pearce’s report seems to suggest Liverpool’s interest in Hector is credible, but that a deal won’t be completed for £20 million.

Whether they are able to negotiate with Cologne remains to be seen, though the player doesn’t seem to be pushing for a move away from the RheinEnergieStadion.

Liverpool have been linked with other left-backs in Hull City‘s Andrew Robertson, Aston Villa‘s Jordan Amavi and PSV Eindhoven’s Jetro Willems, with no moves seemingly on the horizon yet.