Transfer Centre

Liverpool 'among clubs interested in LASK Linz attacker Keito Nakamura'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 16 June 2023

Liverpool 'among clubs interested in Keito Nakamura'

Liverpool are reportedly keeping a close eye on LASK Linz attacker Keito Nakamura, who scored 14 goals in the Austrian Bundesliga last season.

Liverpool are reportedly one of a plethora of teams keeping a close eye on LASK Linz attacker Keito Nakamura.

The 22-year-old was a shining light for the Austrian giants in the 2022-23 season, coming up with a total of 17 goals and eight assists from 36 games in all competitions.

Nakamura found the back of the net 14 times in the Austrian Bundesliga, helping LASK qualify for the Europa League playoff round and finishing the season as the club's top goalscorer.

The Japanese attacker now has 26 goals and nine assists to boast from 68 games in an LASK jersey since leaving Gamba Osaka in 2021, but his contract only has two years left to run.

Given his age and goalscoring prowess in the Austrian top flight last season, LASK will be fighting an uphill battle to retain Nakamura's services, and the Daily Mail claims that Liverpool are one of several sides set to battle for his signature.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reacts on May 6, 2023 © Reuters

The report adds that Nakamura's departure from LASK is likely, but Aston Villa and Burnley join Liverpool in a trio of Premier League teams hoping to lure him to England.

Furthermore, the Reds are also reported to be facing significant competition from foreign teams, as all of Borussia Dortmund, Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Monchengladbach, Lille, Reims and Feyenoord are attentive to the situation.

While on the books at Gamba Osaka, Nakamura was sent out on loan to Dutch giants FC Twente and Belgian side Sint-Truiden before joining LASK permanently two years ago for a mere €500k (£427,000).

The Austrian outfit can therefore expect to make a healthy profit on a player who predominantly featured as a left winger last season, but he is also capable of playing as a striker or number 10.

Nakamura's form in Austria earned him his first senior cap for Japan in March's friendly draw with Uruguay, and he was on the scoresheet for the Samurai Blue in their 6-0 win over El Salvador on Thursday.

General view inside Liverpool's Anfield Stadium before the match on January 9, 2022 © Reuters

With the 22-year-old now a full international for Japan, it will be easier for him to meet the necessary criteria for a Premier League move, although Liverpool are not currently prioritising attacking acquisitions.

Jurgen Klopp's side waved goodbye to Roberto Firmino at the end of the season, but Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo are all still battling for starts up top.

Firmino left Liverpool alongside a quartet of midfielders in Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner and Juventus loanee Arthur, meaning that the Reds will bolster their engine room before turning their attention to other areas of the field.

Alexis Mac Allister's £35m move from Brighton & Hove Albion has already been confirmed, as the Argentine prepares to become Liverpool's new number 10 on a five-year contract.

However, given Liverpool's multiple departures in the engine room, Klopp is said to be pushing for another two midfielders amid links with Borussia Monchengladbach's Manu Kone and Nice's Khephren Thuram.