Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund could go head-to-head in pursuit of German international Mario Gotze, if the out-of-favour Bayern Munich playmaker leaves Bayern Munich this summer.
Liverpool, managed by Gotze’s former mentor Jurgen Klopp, are reported to be interested in signing the World Cup winner, but Dortmund have now confirmed interest in their former player, provided he explains to supporters his controversial move to arch-rivals Bayern Munich.
Gotze left Dortmund for arch-rivals Bayern in 2013 in a deal worth £32million. His departure angered fans at the Westfalenstadion as he confirmed his intention to move just days before the club’s Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid. Weeks later Dortmund and Bayern faced each other in the Champions League final at Wembley – a match Gotze missed through injury.
Chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke’s has confirmed Dortmund are interested in signing Gotze, but said the player would have to explain why he left in the first place.
Gotze and Klopp in happier times at Dortmund in 2011.
Speaking at a conference, Watzke said: “If he’s on the market, it’s clear if we discuss about him.
“The door is always open for every player who comes from Dortmund.”
Banners have been displayed in BVB’s stadium expressing their contempt for Gotze, but Watzke believes the fans can be persuaded to embare their fomer player.
He added: “If he returns we have to talk with the fans and he has to explain how he left for Bayern.
“But I don’t think that they won’t give him a second chance.”
Klopp, meanwhile, has identified Gotze as his main transfer priority for the summer and the Anfield club are increasingly optimistic of securing the 23-year-old’s signature. His career has stalled at Bayern Munich, where has been an infrequent starter under Pep Guardiola, and he is keen on a move away from the Allianz Arena despite the impending arrival of new coach Carlo Ancelotti.
