Borussia Dortmund winger Christian Pulisic has been linked with a move to English side Liverpool in the upcoming January transfer window. The teenager, who has been a regular feature for the German side is a highly talented player with great potential and is eyed by Jürgen Klopp as a replacement for Sadio Mane who will miss a big chunk of fixtures due to his AFCON involvement.

The American youth prodigy has established himself as a key at the Signal Iduna Park and has been in the thick of things for Dortmund this season. But with a move to Anfield in the sights, we analyse two pros and two cons that could come out from this deal:

PROS:

Suitable back-up for Mane and Coutinho

Liverpool have been at their belligerent best going forward, creating a horde of chances and scoring at will. But recent injury to their best player Philippe Coutinho has seen him ruled out for a period of six weeks at least. And with Sadio Mane set to miss most of January due to his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations, signing Pulisic will provide Klopp with a suitable replacement for his star absentees.

The American so far has scored twice and assisted five goals for Dortmund playing out on the right-flank and could have a similar effect for Liverpool if he is brought in this January.

Versatility in attack

The 18-year old, while primarily a right winger, can play anywhere across the front-line. Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel has utilised Pulisic out on the left flank and through the centre as well, playing just behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The teenager has given a good account of himself across all the positions and has caused issues to opposition defences with his dribbling skills and eye for a pass. With his versatility, he will add much value to the Liverpool side.

CONS:

Premier League Adaptation

As with most players moving to the Premier League from other leagues, the adaptation is a huge challenge. The demands in the English top-flight are very different to what Pulisic might be used to at Dortmund. While he is used to having the ball and dominating games with the German team, the Premier League is a different ballgame altogether.

At 5-feet 7-inches, Pulisic will be in for a rough treatment from the defenders in the English game. The physical nature of the football in England, the energy and the legs required to get through a game, all these aspects could prove to be a stumbling block for the 18-year old.

Transfer Fee

Pulisic has a contract with Dortmund that runs till the end of 208-2019 season. With Dortmund having no interest in selling the American nor in any sort of pressure to do a deal, Liverpool will have to stump out a large amount of money to bring the 18-year old to Anfield.

According to reports, Liverpool saw a £11 million bid rejected for Pulisic in the summer and a fee as high as £25 million is being quoted for Liverpool to get Dortmund into negotiations for the winger. Such a huge sum of money, for an 18-year old, who is just into his second season of senior football could prove to be a little too much. And the pressure of the big money move could also hamper the youngster’s progress with the Merseysiders.