Liverpool and Man United ‘in the race’ to Sign £25m Midfielder – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool and Man United Monitor Quinten Timber Amid Summer Transfer Tensions

Quinten Timber has emerged as one of the most intriguing midfield prospects in Europe, and according to Caught Offside, both Liverpool and Manchester United are in the race to sign the 23-year-old Dutch international. Despite being sidelined due to a serious knee injury, Timber’s body of work over the 2024–25 season has been enough to keep Europe’s elite engaged.

The Feyenoord midfielder, who made 26 appearances and scored six goals this past season, is highly valued for his “intelligent play, technical skills, and versatility”. His tactical adaptability allows him to function effectively across various midfield roles, making him particularly attractive to clubs like Liverpool who favour fluid, interchangeable systems in midfield.

Timber’s external lateral ligament injury, sustained in February 2025, required surgery and prematurely ended his campaign. While this has understandably raised concerns, it hasn’t deterred interest entirely. “Interested clubs are expected to closely monitor his rehabilitation progress before committing to a formal bid,” the article notes.

Photo: IMAGO

Contract Tensions Fuel Summer Exit Talk

Timber’s current contract with Feyenoord runs until 2026, but negotiations to extend it are reportedly ongoing. If no agreement is reached, the Dutch club could be forced to cash in this summer rather than risk losing him for free next year.

“Feyenoord, aware of the growing interest, are in the midst of a crucial decision-making process regarding the midfielder’s future,” Caught Offside reports. Their financial resolve could be tested if clubs come knocking with bids in the €25–30 million range.

This relatively modest fee, by Premier League standards, only intensifies the potential bidding war. Notably, other clubs such as Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are also tracking the situation, as are teams from Germany, Spain, and Italy. The fact that Timber remains such a hot commodity, despite his injury, speaks volumes about his perceived ceiling.

Dutch Talent Under Close Premier League Scrutiny

Quinten Timber’s performances before his injury were arguably some of the most well-rounded in the Eredivisie. His positional intelligence and comfort on the ball made him a fulcrum in Feyenoord’s midfield, and he was instrumental in driving transitions and maintaining tempo.

Slot, who guided Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title before moving to Liverpool, knows Timber intimately. This connection cannot be overlooked, and it could well offer Liverpool a strategic edge in any forthcoming negotiations. As Caught Offside reveals, “Should he make a full recovery, the competition for his signature could be fierce.”

Midfield Reinforcements in Focus

It’s no secret that both Liverpool and Manchester United are in the market for midfield reinforcements. While Liverpool’s engine room saw significant upgrades last summer, the club remains alert to value-driven opportunities, particularly for players who fit Arne Slot’s dynamic system.

United, for their part, continue to rebuild under uncertainty, and a player like Timber—young, technically refined, and tactically mature—would be a long-term asset. However, Timber’s injury timeline adds a note of caution, with suitors unlikely to rush into formal bids until they’re assured of his recovery trajectory.

Additionally, Caught Offside mentions that “Brazilian midfielder Ederson of Atalanta is also on the radar” for both clubs, suggesting multiple contingencies are being explored.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Liverpool supporter, it’s hard not to raise an eyebrow at this report. The Timber link makes logical sense. Arne Slot has first-hand knowledge of the player’s character and potential, having worked with him during his time at Feyenoord. That insight, combined with Timber’s technical profile, makes him an intriguing option.

The key concern is the injury. After watching Liverpool suffer through a midfield injury crisis just two seasons ago, the idea of investing €30 million in a player currently in rehab is naturally risky. That said, if the medical team gives Slot the green light, it would be a calculated gamble worth taking.

At 23, Timber fits the long-term squad-building philosophy FSG tend to favour, and he’s versatile enough to provide cover in multiple roles. With Thiago having departed and some uncertainty around the long-term roles of players like Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch, there’s room for a player of Timber’s profile.

Lastly, this would not be a marquee signing, but rather a smart, strategic one—similar to how Wijnaldum’s arrival once flew under the radar before proving to be a key cog in a title-winning machine. With Slot at the helm and an eye on continuity, Timber might just be another inspired pick-up from the Dutch system.