Liverpool join Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in race for midfielder Paul Wanner | OneFootball

Liverpool are reportedly keeping a close eye on PSV Eindhoven midfielder Paul Wanner as they continue planning the next phase of their midfield rebuild. The 20-year-old Austria international has developed into one of the most interesting young midfielders in the Netherlands, and Liverpool are not alone in their admiration.

Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are also monitoring him, which could turn any future move into a major battle between three of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Liverpool tracking Paul Wanner ahead of possible move

Paul Wanner of Eindhoven looks on (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are among the sides watching Wanner, with PSV reportedly valuing him at around €45m-€50m (£38.5m-£42.85m).

Bayern are said to hold a potential advantage because they have an option to bring their former player back.

Wanner originally came through Bayern’s academy and became the youngest player in the club’s history when he made his senior debut at just 16 years and 15 days old.

He later spent time on loan at Elversberg and Heidenheim before joining PSV permanently in 2025.

His development has continued in Eindhoven. Wanner made 22 Eredivisie appearances last season, scoring three goals and registering three assists, while he has already featured in all six of PSV’s league matches this term.

Wanner could be a long term signing for the Reds

(Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

From Liverpool’s perspective, the interest makes plenty of sense.

Their midfield is still built around Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch, but the squad lost some depth following Curtis Jones’ departure.

Andoni Iraola also has highly rated youngster Trey Nyoni coming through, yet adding another technically gifted midfielder would give Liverpool more options for the future.

Wanner is particularly attractive because he is not limited to one role. PSV describe him primarily as an attacking midfielder, although he can also operate wider. He is left-footed, comfortable receiving the ball in tight areas and has enough creativity to play between the lines.

The difficulty is the competition.

Real Madrid can offer prestige, while Bayern already know Wanner extremely well and reportedly have contractual leverage. Liverpool may therefore need to convince him that Anfield offers the clearest pathway to regular first-team football.

At around £43m, this would not be a cheap gamble. But at 20, Wanner fits Liverpool’s recent preference for investing in players who can contribute immediately while still having significant room to develop.