Another Day, Another Goalkeeper Rumor: Bernd Leno Edition

The Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper is rumored to have €28M release clause.

Just when you thought the rumor mongers had linked every last goalkeeper with an Anfield move, they’re back with a new name to add to the growing list: Bayer Leverkusen’s Bernd Leno.

Leno was linked to a move to Napoli last year, but was not allowed to leave due to the club being unable to find an adequate replacement in time. However, now that former Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper Lukáš Hrádecký has signed with Leverkusen, Leno is now free to pursue other opportunities, according to club Sporting Director Rudy Voller.

“Leno can leave but only on our conditions, we are in constant and open discussions with Bernd and his agent. He had a concrete offer from Napoli in 2017, but we didn’t have a replacement at the time, so he had to remain,” Voller explained to Bild.

“In the end, he had a really good season. However, we figured that Bernd’s will to leave would come back and with the arrival of Hradecky, we have a high-class successor.”

If Leno is indeed an option, he will come at a comparative bargain, with a €28M (£24.5M) release clause, or roughly half an Alisson.

According to the rumor mongers, Leno is linked to Liverpool, Arsenal, and Napoli. Considering Napoli was his preferred destination last year, it seems reasonable that they would still be the front-runners for his signature.

He’s probably just being linked to Liverpool for clicks, but hey, add him to the list of potential goalkeepers, I guess.

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com