Liverpool and Everton Battle for Jamie Leweling Before Deadline
Liverpool and Everton are set for a late-window tug of war over Stuttgart forward Jamie Leweling, with both Merseyside clubs circling as the deadline looms.
Liverpool’s summer has already been heavy on business. Jeremy Jacquet has arrived from Stade Rennais for £55m, Victor Munoz from Osasuna for £34.5m, Ronald Araujo on loan from Barcelona, Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Vienna for £2.57m and Bradley Barcola from PSG in a huge £106m deal. A major move for another right-sided attacker was on the cards too – but only if Cody Gakpo left.
Manchester City pushed hard. An £85m bid went in, Gakpo was prepared to go, and Liverpool explored replacements. Then the door slammed shut.
Fabrizio Romano reported on Monday that Liverpool have now decided to keep Gakpo, unable to source a suitable successor before the window closes. City have turned their attention to Iliman Ndiaye and Enzo Fernández, and Gakpo stays put, ready to continue at Anfield.
That decision appeared to cool expectations of any more senior attacking arrivals. Yet Sky Deutschland insist Liverpool are still trying to prise Leweling from Stuttgart before the deadline, even if the chances are slim.
Everton, though, are already on the front foot. They have lodged a concrete proposal for Leweling, a versatile forward capable of operating across the entire frontline, while Liverpool are described as remaining interested as the clock ticks down.
Leweling has options. Staying at Stuttgart is still firmly on the table. No decision has been made.
What is not in doubt is his stock. The 23-year-old was one of VfB Stuttgart’s standout performers last season, racking up 23 goal contributions in 50 competitive appearances and emerging as one of the most sought-after players in the Swabian club’s squad. Stuttgart are braced for more calls and more offers before Tuesday’s cut-off.
Whether that turns into a full-blown Merseyside bidding battle is less certain.
Reports from The Athletic, via Gregg Evans and James Pearce, paint a cooler picture from Liverpool’s side. Their joint piece states that Liverpool are unlikely to make another senior signing for the wide positions before the window shuts, despite the links to Leweling.
The club’s late focus is instead drifting towards youth and the goalkeeping department.
Eighteen-year-old goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans is close to joining from Genk in a deal worth around €33m. The plan is straightforward: sign him now, then immediately loan him back to the Belgian club for the rest of the season. That only changes if there is unexpected late movement involving Giorgi Mamardashvili.
On the flanks, Liverpool are also moving for another teenager, Djylian N’Guessan of Saint-Etienne. The 18-year-old French under-20 international winger is set to cost around €5m, with an agreement in place for him to officially link up with Liverpool next summer.
So Liverpool’s senior attack looks settled, Gakpo stays, and the big money has already gone on Barcola. Everton push hard for Leweling, Liverpool watch and weigh up, and Stuttgart wait for the next knock on the door.
If Leweling does move before the deadline, the question is simple: which side of Stanley Park will he call home?
