Liverpool interest in Milot Rashica confirmed by KFF president

Kosovo Football Federation President Agim Ademi has tipped Werder Bremen winger and fellow countryman Milot Rashica for a move to Liverpool.

The 23-year old attacker grew up representing Albania, making two appearances for the senior team before switching allegiances to Kosovo in August 2016.

Ademi told Syri TV, via Goal: “I know that Liverpool in the Premier League want him, but also Leipzig in the Bundesliga.”

Rashica has scored 10 goals and 5 assists in 27 appearances for the German club this season.

His inspired form has attracted interest across Europe, including fellow Premier League clubs West Ham, Aston Villa, and Wolves.

Rashica’s contract contains a relatively affordable release clause of just ₤31 million.

Furthermore, reports from Germany suggest that this number could be almost halved to ₤17 million if Werder Bremen get relegated—a prospect that seems likely given Bremen currently sit in 17th place in the Bundesliga, 6 points from safety. 

The former Vitesse Arnhem player has impressively showcased his savvy in the final third this season.

Although normally utilized on the left-wing, the creative winger tends to drift across the attacking front. His knack for finding gaps in the backline gives Rashica the ability to play across the frontline.

How Rashica Fits at Liverpool

Whether at Dortmund or Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp has consistently demonstrated a preference for wingers who contribute in the goals department. Moreover, he has periodically shuffled Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino across the frontline, suggesting that Klopp would value Rashica’s versatility.

The purchase of Rashica can be further justified when considering the possible departures of Xherdan Shaqiri and Divock Origi.

Although Rashica would be a clever, affordable addition to the Liverpool squad, the move seems unlikely to me. It has become clear that Liverpool are not eager to open their checkbooks this summer due to the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Furthermore, it seems that if Liverpool were to invest in an attacker, Timo Werner would be the man. Despite the steeper price tag, the German’s record of 30 goals in 39 games this season speaks for itself.

Liverpool’s pursuit of Werner has been quite the rollercoaster ride, but he would definitely be ahead of Rashica on the wish lists of Reds fans.

A solution to suit all parties would be for Liverpool to trigger Werner’s release clause and Rashica to replace him at Leipzig.

This way, Liverpool fans finally get their coveted target, Leipzig receive a ready-made replacement, and Rashica lands on a Champions League team without having to move to a new country.