Mario Gotze is free to leave Borussia Dortmund and join any club he wishes at the end of the current season.
It’s another bump in the road for a man who was once the most sought after young talent in Europe.
From his glory days as Jurgen Klopp’s main man, injury and illness have reduced Gotze to a shadow of his former self.
However, he is still a supremely talented player and could be just the man some Premier League clubs need.
Newcastle United
Newcastle is at the centre of a big takeover bid, a free signing may go against the grade, but signing Gotze could be a smart investment. He would provide a creative outlet the Magpies have sorely lacked recently.
With ambitions to get to the top of English football, Newcastle needs players experienced in winning and Gotze is certainly one. With 12 trophies for club and country, including 5 Bundesliga titles, Gotze has the experience of winning titles any ambitious club needs.
He will also bring versatility to the Newcastle attack should he join them. Able to play as a striker, an attacking midfielder, or even out wide, he can fit in wherever required for the Toon side. Should he stay fit, he could be a vital piece to the rebuild of a famous old club.
Leicester City
Gotze would not be needed in the starting XI for Leicester but could be a valuable option from the bench. With his aforementioned versatility, he could provide much-needed cover for the likes of James Maddison and Ayoze Perez.
An added benefit for Leicester is Gotze’s experience playing in a system that demands a high press. Under Pep Guardiola, Lucien Favre, and Jurgen Klopp, Gotze has had to develop his pressing work rate.
With the experience of playing in these high energy systems, he’d fit seamlessly into Brendan Rogers’ 4-1-4-1.
Liverpool
Mario Gotze to Liverpool is a rumour that feels almost as old as time. However, there does now seem to be a degree of sense to it. With Adam Lallana looking likely to depart the club on a free transfer, Gotze would be an apt replacement.
He wouldn’t need a great amount of adaptation as some Klopp signings do either, given his experience of Klopp’s system.
There is also a financial advantage for Liverpool. Given the effect that COVID-19 has had on the market, a free transfer for Gotze makes monetary sense. The only thing counting against the move is the emergence of Curtis Jones.
The young midfielder has played well when given the opportunity and is of a similar profile to Lallana. He may lack Gotze’s experience, but Klopp may want to keep the path clear for him, rather than bring in a replacement.
