Liverpool Transfer News: Mario Gotze Deal Threatened by Juventus Rumours

Juventus have reportedly emerged as potential transfer rivals to Liverpool in any summer pursuit of Bayern Munich man Mario Gotze.

That’s according to Tuttosport (h/t Matt Maltby of the MailOnline) who said the Italian champions feel they can “revitalise” the German international in Serie A. While Gotze has been injured recently, he’s struggled to nail down a regular place in the starting XI at the Allianz Arena.

As noted by talkSPORT, the Reds have also been linked with a move for Gotze, who has worked under Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp previously during a stint at Borussia Dortmund. Indeed, the midfielder broke through as a youngster under the manager at the Westfalenstadion and was superb in the 2011-12 season as BVB won the league and DFB-Pokal.

Here is a reminder of just how good the midfielder was under Klopp that season, building a reputation as one of the most exciting prospects in the world:

Gotze opted to sign for Bundesliga rivals Bayern in the summer of 2013, and while there have been glimpses of his undeniable quality when donning the red jersey, he’s not really kicked on. Indeed, with players like Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery, Thomas Muller, Douglas Costa and Kingsley Coman occupying the attacking spots, competition is fierce.

So a move for Gotze wouldn’t be completely out of the question this summer, especially with clubs the calibre of Liverpool and Juventus said to be interested. “Tuttosport claimed the Italian club would much rather sign Gotze than Sassuolo forward Domenico Berardi, another attack-minded player they are interested in,” Maltby wrote.

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BT Sport’s German football expert Raphael Honigstein thinks a move to Anfield could be on the cards for the 23-year-old, who has hardly played due to injury as of late:

While Liverpool have midfielders similar in style to Gotze, none actually possess a class on the ball comparable to the Germany international.

The former Dortmund man is a wonderfully gifted player and a footballer whose technically ability would see him rise above the otherwise frantic nature of the Premier League. He may not relish the physical side of the game, but his awareness of space, ability to move the ball quickly and astute dribbling can see Gotze coast through matches at his best.

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At the moment, there doesn't seem to be too bright a future for the player with his current club. Bleacher Report’s Clark Whitney is unsure whether a lack of opportunities at Bayern will affect Gotze’s chances of being picked for the summer’s UEFA European Championships, but he doesn't think the player is wanted in Bavaria:

Juventus, who could become Italian champions for a fifth successive season this term, would also have their draws. But should Bayern choose to sell this summer, the chance to work with the manager who gave him his chance at Dortmund and at a club where he’d become the fulcrum of the side would surely be more appealing.

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Nevertheless, with Pep Guardiola leaving Bayern this summer and Carlo Ancelotti coming into replace him, a new manager may mean a new lease of life for Gotze. 

Bayern are a club renowned for possessing the most talented German footballers, and while he’s not been given a chance to show it yet, there are plenty in Munich who would be disappointed to see the back of a player who undoubtedly fits into this particular category.