For much of the summer, RB Leipzig and the German media seemed very confident that Ademola Lookman could be signed before the close of the window.
It was reported repeatedly that the player wanted the move, having been on loan at the Bundesliga side last season, and it was all just a case of waiting until Everton dropped their asking to something Leipzig found acceptable.
The approach was almost cocky, and the constant chatter from Ralf Rangnick about a Lookman transfer may well have irritated those in charge of business at the Liverpool club.
In July, the German media repeatedly stated Everton were asking for €20m, which was considered too high by Leipzig. The Toffees were said to have turned down offers of €12m and €14m.
Then, all of sudden, the reported asking price went up to €30m.
Now Bild send a few digs the way of Everton, as it’s explained why the transfer collapsed.
The Premier League club are accused of being ‘greedy’ and asking for an ‘outrageous’ amount for the youngster.
In a quip which sounds quite bitter, Bild state Leipzig did the right thing not paying the €30m, because Lookman would have been ‘crushed from the beginning’ given the expectation such a figure would have brought with.
During the winter transfer window, Bild reported that Liverpool were trying to sign Naby Keita earlier than planned.
Jurgen Klopp’s club had already agreed a deal to see Keita move to Anfield this summer, but Liverpool were trying to get him earlier. At the time, Bild said Leipzig asked for an extra €20m for the move to happen earlier, taking the transfer value to €95m.
They didn’t seem to think that was so outrageous or greedy, although Liverpool obviously did.
