Remember him? Yes, he is still a Chelsea player but is on-loan at Trazbonspor and is said to be available in a cut-price deal at the end of the campaign.
However, Liverpool would have to offer a lucrative deal should he move to Merseyside, as the Turkish side has the first option to buy the winger.
The German International, 26, failed to settle in South West London having been drafted in from Werder Bremen in 2012 for £7 million and made just 16 appearances for the Stamford Bridge side.
He does however have a vast knowledge of the game having played for Sevilla, Fiorentina and Anderlecht on-loan and is a versatile player meaning he play in the number 10 role not just along both flanks.
The Reds were keen to secure his services when Kenny Dalglish was at the helm, only for the player to join Chelsea and snub Liverpool and Tottenham. He has two goals and four assists in all competitions for Trabzonspor this season with the club keen to keep him next season.
He admitted last week that he was unlikely to return to Stamford Bridge at the conclusion of his loan spell at Trabzonspor but insists he can still play at the highest level amongst Europe’s elite.
“It’s difficult,” he said. “You not only need a few good matches at Trabzon, but a very strong year. You never know, but right now it does not look like it.
“My career only starts now. I am in the best age for a footballer. I have collected a lot of experience, lived in London, Seville, Florence, Brussels, got to know many new languages and leagues.”
“I could have left for the UAE last summer but I want to show my worth in Europe, and I am on a good path.”
Check out Sam's blog, BackOfTheNetFootball.com here
Latest Forum Discussion