Donyell Malen of Borussia Dortmund is reportedly the player Jurgen Klopp has his eye on.
For Klopp’s previous team this season, the 24-year-old Dutch forward has been excellent, scoring three goals in five Bundesliga games.
After selling Jadon Sancho to Manchester United in 2021, Malen joined Dortmund for about €30 million. Before returning to Europe, the former PSV star did, however, spend two years at the Arsenal academy.
Klopp has been a fan of Malen even before he joined Dortmund, and the German daily SportBILD claims that Malen is Klopp’s vision of the ‘perfect backup’ for Mohamed Salah.
According to rumors, Liverpool would need to fork for €60 million (£52 million) to make Dortmund “flinch” because the player has a deal through 2026.
At Anfield, the Reds already have a sizable Dutch following. Along with the club’s captain, Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo were also brought in; the latter was acquired on Deadline Day for £34 million from Bayern Munich.
Malen spent his final season in the Netherlands scoring 27 goals in 45 games while playing both right flank and striker.
The youthful attacker has made an impression after a sluggish start to life in Germany, contributing to 14 goals (nine goals, five assists) in the Bundesliga in 2022–23 and having a solid start to the current season.
Ben Doak, 17, who is highly regarded at the club and is anticipated to receive minutes to impress in the Europa League and domestic competitions this season, serves as Liverpool’s current ‘backup’ to Salah on the right wing. Salah, who is desired by the Saudi Pro League, is still uncertain about his future.
Despite his excellent form and significant role in the Reds’ attack, many have suggested that the 31-year-old’s current campaign may be his last as a member of the Liverpool team. Given that his contract is set to expire in 2025, it’s believed that the Reds leadership may decide to take a big cash offer for their star player next summer rather than try to extend it or take the chance of losing him for nothing.