Liverpool among the possible destinations for Julian Draxler as PSG choose to cash in on talented winger

Sport360 staff 18:02 17/08/2017
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  • Germany international Julian Draxler has been told he can leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer and has asked his representatives to find him a new team, according to L’Equipe.

    The PSG wide-man, who only moved to the French capital in a deal worth £40million from Schalke in January, is now surplus to requirements after Neymar’s €222million arrival as PSG move in a new direction.

    The 23-year-old, who is still regarded as one of the premier young talents in world football, will likely have no shortage of offers as he attempts to instigate his next move.

    And we have made his task easier by coming up with four possible destinations for him.

    LIVERPOOL

    With wantaway star Philippe Coutinho trying to force a move out of Anfield before the August 31 deadline, Draxler would be a handy replacement.

    While Coutinho’s level has been higher than the German in recent seasons, the two are very similar players – with quick feet, deft touch and the creativity to unlock a defence all part of their make-up.

    Although the Reds are set to stand firm over the Brazilian and will not allow him to leave Anfield this summer, Jurgen Klopp could weigh-up a shock bid for Draxler – who is believed to be available for a cut-price fee.

    Liverpool aren’t short of pace and flair on the flanks with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah both starting the season well, but the Merseysiders still have money in the bank to strengthen and Draxler has shown flexibility to switch in from wide positions.

    SUITABILITY: 7/10

    It’s not an impossible thought to picture Draxler in a Liverpool shirt at some point in the future but he’s unlikely to move to the Kop club during this transfer window given they will be looking for a more direct replacement for Coutinho if he does depart.

    HONG KONG, HONG KONG - JULY 22: Liverpool FC midfielder Philippe Coutinho (L) competes for the ball with Leicester City FC defender Danny Simpson during the Premier League Asia Trophy match between Liverpool FC and Leicester City FC at Hong Kong Stadium on July 22 2017, in Hong Kong, Hong Kong. (Photo by Victor Fraile/Getty Images)

    Could Draxler replace Coutinho?

    BARCELONA

    The Catalonian press can often be found guilty of over-exaggerating Blaugrana struggles but there’s no doubt about it, this time they are right.

    Barcelona are in a crisis of sorts and need a big marquee signing to satisfy a frustrated fan base still reeling after Neymar’s departure and the surprise, but in truth, uninspiring signing of former Tottenham midfielder Paulinho from Guangzhou Evergrande for €40million.

    Draxler would certainly bring in pace, height and speed to replace that of Neymar but not the same level of return, if we’re talking goals.

    Indeed, the jury is definitely out on whether ‘doing PSG a favour’ (given the tainted relationship between the two clubs) and helping the French side shift Draxler from their wage bill would be a good step for Barca.

    SUITABILITY: 6/10

    Despite a strong Confederations Cup for his country, is Draxler a better option than Gerard Deulofeu for Barca? The answer is no. The former Everton man, who completed a dream return to the Camp Nou in June, deserves a chance to shine ahead of any other incoming player.

    Barcelona's Brazilian midfielder Rafinha (L) vies with Paris Saint-Germain's German midfielder Julian Draxler during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg football match between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona on February 14, 2017 at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. / AFP / PHILIPPE LOPEZ (Photo credit should read PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images)

    Barcelona faced-up against Draxler last term.

    ARSENAL

    Arsene Wenger is a long-time admirer of Draxler and has tried on several occasions in the past to sign him – most notably in 2015 before the attacker opted to stay in Bundesliga and switch from Schalke to Wolfsburg.

    A lot has changed since then and Arsenal have been chasing Monaco ace Thomas Lemar all summer – but that deal looks to be dead in the water.

    Wenger publicly revealed he was only willing to sign three players in the transfer window – and with Alexandre Lacazette and Sead Kolasinac the only incoming business he has done thus far – that means there is a space for one more player.

    Could that be Draxler? The Gunners will be all too aware of his current situation and may well rekindle their interest.

    SUITABILITY: 8/10

    Don’t be surprised if the Premier League club launch a bid for the Ligue 1 man, with Wenger knowing he needs more width in wide areas. Currently, he is deploying Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the left to good effect but there are serious doubts over the futures of Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott.

    BORUSSIA DORTMUND

    With the Yellows resigned to losing Ousmane Dembele, Draxler could be the ideal replacement.

    And with rumours rife that teen star Christian Pulisic could follow the Frenchman out of the Westfalenstadion exit door in the years to come, World Cup winner Draxler might just be the perfect man long-term replacement.

    SUITABILITY: 7/10

    A return to his home country and the Bundesliga would probably suit all parties moving forward and keep your eyes peeled for a bid from the BVB.

    Draxler in action for Wolfsburg against Dortmund

    Draxler in action for Wolfsburg against Dortmund

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