Liverpool have reportedly pulled out of the race to sign Joshua Kimmich, a player Jose Mourinho once lauded as "absolutely phenomenal".
The Bayern Munich ace, 29, has been on Liverpool's radar for years, with former manager Jurgen Klopp a big admirer of his. With his contract at the Allianz Arena up at the end of the season, and extension talks stagnating, a summer departure looks increasingly likely.
But a move to Anfield doesn't appear to be on the cards, with Reds boss Arne Slot reportedly content with the midfielders he has. Liverpool were in the market for a central midfielder last summer and saw a deal for Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi fall through at the last minute. But it seems those transfer plans have been shelved for the time being.
Perhaps it's no surprise, given how well the likes of Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones have been playing this season. That said, Kimmich has proven himself an elite central midfielder in recent years, and he offers a degree of versatility few other players can.
Back in 2020, Mourinho lauded Kimmich for his intelligence, influence and unique adaptability. "I see him as a top right-back, left-back, centre-back, No. 6, No. 8, No. 10... he has qualities to be anything," the ex-Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss told DAZN.
"He's intelligent and understands what he has to do here and what he has to do there. I think he's phenomenal - absolutely phenomenal player. I'm a team coach and not an individual coach.
"For me, the team is much more important than the individuals. For Bayern to win the Champions League is much more important than for somebody to win an individual award but I see this kid [Kimmich] with Lewandowski [and] Neuer. I see this kid with these guys in an elite group capable of winning individual awards."
It was little over a year ago that Liverpool were seriously considering a move for the Germany international. According to Sky Sports Germany, Klopp outlined plans to lure him to Merseyside, which may have come to fruition had he not decided to step down.
Kimmich, who is three caps away from reaching a ton for his national team, started out as a midfielder at RB Leipzig, but switched to right back shortly after moving to Bayern in 2015. His technical prowess ensured it wasn't long before he was moved back into central areas, and he's spent the most of the last decade rotating between midfield and full back for club and country.
He's been a regular in Vincent Kompany's side this season, and seems to be enjoying life under the former Manchester City skipper. No decision has been made about his future yet, but Kimmich recently admitted he'd likely stay put, especially with his family fully settled in Bavaria.
"The likelihood of me staying is much greater than it was in the summer because I can see how we are playing football. That also has a lot to do with the coach," he said.
"All of Germany can see that we are playing football in a different way. It looks much better. It's fun in training and on the pitch. Of course there are many, many good reasons to extend the contract. For me, it's a fundamental decision. It's about where you can be most successful in the next three to four years."
If contract negotiations break down however, the likes of City and Barcelona will be ready to pounce. Pep Guardiola was in charge when Bayern signed Kimmich from Leipzig in 2015, and is understood to be keen on a reunion.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick worked with Kimmich for several years in Munich as well, and reportedly views the player as someone who could fit effortlessly into the style and makeup of his Camp Nou midfield.