Liverpool Transfer News: Mario Gotze and Mats Hummels Plot Decision Deadlines

Bayern Munich’s Mario Gotze and Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels have reportedly set deadlines on their respective decisions about their futures, with Liverpool said to be interested in the pair.

According to Fichajes (h/t Alex Wood of the Daily Star), Gotze will not make a choice regarding a transfer until after the UEFA European Championship this summer, when he will be part of Germany's push for another major title. As noted by Wood, Liverpool have been strongly linked with the playmaker.

Meanwhile, Hummels recently cast doubts over his long-term future with Borussia Dortmund when speaking to Sky (h/t DW Sports):

James Whaling of the Daily Mirror noted earlier in April that Liverpool were one of a few Premier League sides in pursuit of the defender.

The signing of either player would be a significant coup for the Merseyside club in the summer, and having excelled under manager Jurgen Klopp previously, the duo would surely be tempted by the chance to link up with their former manager once again.

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Gotze could do with a fresh start after failing to establish himself as a regular with Bayern. Bleacher Report UK took a look at the teams that’d be the best fit for the midfielder this summer:

Having quickly earned himself a reputation as one of the most exciting young players in world football during his time at Borussia Dortmund, Gotze’s progression has halted at Bayern under Pep Guardiola. It’s clear the coach doesn’t completely trust the 23-year-old, and with so many attacking stars in the squad, the Spaniard can afford to leave him on the bench.

A change of manager this summer could be key for the player, though, with Guardiola poised to depart. The Daily Mail’s Jonny Singer thinks Gotze could thrive for Bayern again next season under incoming manager Carlo Ancelotti:

Hummels departing Dortmund would be a bigger surprise. The centre-back may have been tempted to jump ship after the side toiled last term, but the club seems to be on the right track again under Thomas Tuchel.

The centre-back is the linchpin of this outfit, too. Hummels is a leader at the back for Dortmund with his authoritative defensive play, dominating in the air, putting in forceful tackles and positioning himself expertly at the base of the side.

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Technically, he’s a talented footballer, and as noted by WhoScored.com, the defender is a big threat in the opposition’s penalty area:

The aforementioned players' positions are areas of the team that seemed in desperate need of replenishment under Klopp’s predecessor, Brendan Rodgers. But the new manager has rejuvenated Adam Lallana, got the best from Roberto Firmino and helped Philippe Coutinho progress.

Additionally, Dejan Lovren and Mamadou Sakho are forging a particularly potent partnership at the back. The latter, as noted by Football365’s Daniel Storey, has been especially impressive:

Still, Klopp will want depth in every area. Gotze could slot in nicely alongside Coutinho and Firmino while also potentially pushing Lallana into taking his game on further. Hummels, as one of the world’s premier centre-backs, would be major competition for Lovren and Sakho.

A major championship in the summer can often make transfers a little more difficult to get done, and performances during the tournament will prompt players into evaluating their futures. But Klopp will know just how effective Gotze and Hummels can be, and if adhering to their deadlines means landing both, he would surely be happy to wait a little longer.