Fabrizio Romano delivers big transfer update that'll leave Liverpool supporters gutted – opinion

Fabrizio Romano has delivered a transfer update which will leave Liverpool supporters and Jurgen Klopp gutted.

It regards Christopher Nkunku, with whom the Reds have reportedly been linked, as the player has signed a new contract at RB Leipzig.

Romano tweeted: “Official and confirmed. Christopher Nkunku extends his contract with RB Leipzig until June 2026, deal now signed and sealed. There’s a release clause included in the new deal for €60m.”

This new contract means that the player won’t be leaving the Bundesliga this summer, which will be a disappointment to Klopp and other Premier League suitors such as Manchester United.

The Frenchman had an incredible 2021/22 season, playing 50 times for Leipzig as they reached the Europa League semi-finals and won the DFB-Pokal while scoring a remarkable 35 goals and registering 19 assists. It’s no wonder so many clubs have been monitoring his progress.

His versatility would have been a big bonus for Klopp, as he can play in either an attacking midfield role or as a second striker.

All hope is not lost, though. As stated by Romano, Nkunku has a release clause worth €60m (£51m) in his new contract and this can be activated from summer 2023, which means that there could be plenty of clubs on standby who continue to follow his development.

If the 24-year-old carries on last season’s form into the 2022/23 campaign, Klopp should be doing all that he can to make the deal happen, as the Frenchman would fit well into Liverpool’s style of play.

Nkunku scored once every 137 minutes in the Bundesliga last season, and with 10 big chances missed, he could easily have added to his 20-goal tally. He also made 1.9 key passes per match while completing an impressive 67% of his dribbles, which