Barcelona are targetting Augsburg’s left-back Philipp Max.
Barcelona are pondering about making a move for Augsburg’s left-back Philipp Max. The German International is also targetted by the European Champions Liverpool, who have already enquired the Bundesliga club.
The 25-year-old made 34 appearances in all competitions last season, and has four goals and seven assists in 34 appearances. Max is proficient with his versatility, having played through the attacking and defensive flank of the left-hand side. Primarily a left-back, the German played as a left midfielder thrice and left-winger six times.
Liverpool tracked his process and have already made an enquiry to Augsburg for the left-back. The Reds, who were put off by Real Betis over €40 million price tag, have turned their heads to Philipp Max. Similar to the reigning Champions League holders, Barcelona have also pondered about a move for Max, according to Sport.
FC Schalke product will cost around €20 million – satisfying the needs of both Liverpool and Barcelona. The Reds and Blaugrana are looking for a proper deputy to Andy Robertson and Jordi Alba.
Philipp Max would prove to be an ideal backup to both the sides as he is expertise higher up the pitch. For Liverpool, if they fail to acquire a left-winger, the German can also deputize Sadio Mane. Barcelona have a luxurious frontline, on the other hand.
Wolfsburg’s Jerome Roussillon is another left-back on Barcelona’s radar. Similar to Philipp Max, the French International performed on a consistent basis with the German club and made 28 appearances. The reigning Spanish Champions have tracked him throughout last season and the player himself acknowledged Barcelona’s interest.
Barcelona are not willing to invest more than 20 million on a backup left-back. They had rebuffed negotiations with Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham Hotspur for Raphael Guerriero and Danny Rose, respectively.
Here’s how Twitter has reacted..
Liverpool are in talks with Philipp Max’s entourage, the left-back is said to be valued at €20M (£17.94M). Barcelona have also shifted their interest to the German, after Betis didn’t want to lower their price tag for Junior Firpo. [@SPORT] pic.twitter.com/BaDCsHrCP5
— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) July 19, 2019
The report talks about the two different options that Barcelona have gone for after Firpo’s valuation was to high for their liking, and talks about #LFC also being interested in the Augsburg fullback.
Full Report ⬇️⬇️https://t.co/FL45L6E7gN
— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) July 19, 2019
Barcelona are negotiating with two Bundesliga left-backs: Philipp Max and Jerome Roussillon. Junior Firpo would be practically ruled out because of his price. [sport] pic.twitter.com/uksmGYVAME
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) July 19, 2019
Barcelona have made Bayern Munich defender David Alaba their No. 1 target to provide competition for Jordi Alba, with Augsburg’s Philipp Max and Real Betis’ Junior Firpo being considered as alternatives. [espn] pic.twitter.com/G0NdiaqBB0
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) July 19, 2019
What’s next?
The signing of Philipp Max will give solidity in every available outfield department, but it remains to be seen because of Liverpool’s interest. It is no brainer that he will get more game time at Liverpool because of the prospect of acting as a backup in two different positions.
