Jamie Carragher: 'Liverpool would have signed Timo Werner if not for pandemic'

Former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher has claimed that the Reds would have signed Timo Werner had it not been for the timing of the coronavirus pandemic.

The RB Leipzig striker has recently agreed to join Chelsea in a £52m deal, after the Merseyside club withdrew their interest in the 24-year-old.

However, Carragher believes that Liverpool pulled out of the deal due to concerns over finances as a result of COVID-19.

"I honestly believe that if the pandemic hadn't happened then Timo Werner would have been a Liverpool player. I am absolutely convinced of that," Carragher told Sky Sports News.

"If Timo Werner had signed for Liverpool, he wouldn't have been first choice because the front three is what it is. He would have brought a versatility I think Liverpool are lacking because he can play out wide or through the middle.

"[Divock] Origi is a Liverpool legend because of the important goals he has scored, but I have always feared that if one of Liverpool's front three had a serious injury it could really hurt them. I have always thought Liverpool needed greater quality as back-up than Divock.

"Werner looked perfect. He's German, he plays for a team with a similar philosophy to Liverpool, and he's got great speed. But spending £50m on someone who wouldn't be a first choice is a big decision."

Werner has managed 31 goals for RB Leipzig this campaign.