Why Philippe Coutinho's Bayern Munich move could help Liverpool sign 2020 transfer target

Philippe Coutinho’s move to Bayern Munich could help Liverpool sign Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havertz.

Posted Friday, September 06, 2019 by Express.co.uk

Why Philippe Coutinho's Bayern Munich move could help Liverpool sign 2020 transfer target (Image: GETTY)

Bayern Munich are lining up Philippe Coutinho to be Thomas Muller’s long-term successor, potentially freeing up previous target Kai Havertz for Liverpool to pounce on.

Coutinho was signed by Bayern on a season-long loan earlier this summer after months of speculation about his Barcelona future.

The former Liverpool star was linked with a move back to Merseyside, as well as fellow Premier League clubs Arsenal and Tottenham, before making his move to Germany.

And according to The Athletic, the Brazilian’s transfer to Bayern, which could be made permanent next summer, means that the Bundesliga champions are less likely to chase after Havertz’s signature.

Havertz, a highly-talented midfielder currently playing for Bayer Leverkusen, is reported to be a target of Liverpool’s for 2020.

Havertz was at the top of Bayern’s transfer wish list, but now that they have Coutinho, the pressure to try and sign the German has reduced significantly.

Earlier this summer, multiple reports from Germany suggested that Liverpool are one of a number of clubs who are interested in signing Havertz, who may now look for a move to the Premier League.

Liverpool failed to make any high-profile signings during the transfer window this summer, having spent in excess of £250million in 2018.

Why Philippe Coutinho's Bayern Munich move could help Liverpool sign 2020 transfer target (Image: GETTY)

But next year, either in January or in the summer, the Reds could look to make a move for Havertz.

The 20-year-old is being touted as one of Germany’s most promising young talents as he notched 20 goals for Leverkusen last season.

Havertz is under contract at Leverkusen until 2022 and his release clause is said to be around €100m (£91.4m).

German TV station Sport1 claim that the youngster is most likely to move to the Premier League or La Liga if a prospective move to Bayern does indeed fall through.

It’s also been reported that Havertz is a boyhood fan of Barcelona, who will be looking to fund the return of Paris Saint-German star Neymar to the Nou Camp next year by offloading Coutinho.

Havertz already has two goals in two games this season, with his stock expected to rise even further if he enjoys another successful season with Leverkusen.