RB Leipzig midfielder Konrad Laimer has revealed that he was never close to joining Liverpool over the summer and has suggested that a future move to the Premier League is not a priority.
The versatile 25-year-old has been a key cog for the German club over the last five seasons and has racked up a total of 165 appearances in all competitions, scoring 11 goals and providing 18 assists.
However, Laimer's long-term future with Leipzig has recently been questioned as he has less than 12 months remaining on his contract.
Liverpool were understood to have identified the Austria international as a potential target this summer, with Jurgen Klopp's side entering the market late in the window to recruit a new midfielder amid their injury problems.
The Reds instead pursued a move for Juventus' Arthur Melo, who has made the switch to Anfield on a season-long loan deal with an option to buy.
© Reuters
The Premier League is regarded by many as the best division in world football where Europe's elite stars dream to play at some stage in their career, but Laimer insists that a move to England's top flight is not high on the agenda.
"A hasty departure is not my thing. If I were to change clubs, I would want to think it through and decide calmly, not overnight," Laimer told Bild.
"Especially since the first half of the season is very short anyway due to the World Cup and you wouldn't have had time to settle in and find your feet.
"The Premier League is nice, but for me it's not a must. It's much more important to me: how do people talk to me, what feeling do I have about something."
© Reuters
Liverpool are not the only club to have been credited with an interest in Laimer, as German giants Bayern Munich are also believed to the closely monitoring the midfielder's situation.
Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic recently confirmed that the club were interested in signing Laimer over the summer, but a move failed to materialise.
When asked by Sky Sports News in Germany whether they would move for Laimer in 2023, Salihamidzic said: "Of course I can't say that yet. We were interested, it didn't really work out now. But he's still playing for RB Leipzig. That's the most honest thing I can say."
Laimer, who has also attracted interest from Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, allegedly has a £34m release clause in his contract, although the midfielder will be able to negotiate pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs in January should he decide against extending his deal before then.
Oliver Thomas
