14 May 2016

Liverpool Boost? Klopp makes transfer enquiry about 'powerful' attacker with €18m release clause

Last month, Liverpool were linked with a move for 'powerful' Hoffenheim attacker Kevin Volland, and reports in Germany this week suggest that the prolific striker remains on Jurgen Klopp's summer wish-list.

According to Sport Bild:

"Volland has release clause of €18m, and Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp has made a request to Hoffenheim [about the transfer]".

Some info about 23-year old Volland:

* Left-footed right-winger, who can also play as a striker/secondary striker. Current contract expires: 2019.

* Hoffenheim: Winger (64% of games). Striker (36% of games).

* 36 goals/39 assists (75) in 143 apps (Goal every 333 mins. G/A every 159 mins).

* This season: 8 goals/10 assists in 33 apps (Goal every 316 mins. G/A every 160 mins)

* Apr 2015: linked with a €20m move to Jurgen Klopp's Borussia Dortmund.

* Aug 2015: Broke the record for scoring the fastest goal in Bundesliga history (Scored after 8 seconds vs. Bayern Munich)

Volland seems to be a popular transfer target, but like so many other attackers linked with Liverpool, he isn't prolific enough, either as a striker, or a winger. If he can only score once every 316 minutes in the Bundesliga, it's (arguably) unlikely that his ratio will improve in the physically demanding/frenetic Premier League.

Even then much-maligned Christian Benteke has a better minutes per goals/assists ratio this season, and unlike Voland, he rarely gets to start consecutive games. That said, Volland is only 23; theoretically, the only way is up, and under Klopp's tutelage perhaps he'll improve his goalscoring record at Anfield...?


Author: Jaimie K


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