Spare a thought for Mario Gotze.
After scoring one of the most important goals in his nation’s footballing history, the man still can’t get regular games for his club.
That said, his club is Bayern Munich, who aren’t exactly lacking when it comes to depth of quality.
Having recently said that he’d assess his situation with the German champions after speaking to incoming manager Carlo Ancelotti, speculation has been rife that Jurgen Klopp, who was his manager at Borussia Dortmund, is eager to bring him to Anfield.
And judging by the comments from Bayern’s sporting director Matthias Sammer, a summer move to Merseyside appears to be a possibility for the 23-year-old.
Referring to Gotze’s recent comments, Sammer poured cold water on any possibility that he could leave in the January window, but suggested things may be different at the end of the season.
“I said it was madness when there were rumours about a transfer in January, whereas Mario was talking about the end of the season,” Sammer explained.
With Pep Guardiola to be replaced as Bayern manager by Ancelotti, Sammer added that discussions about Gotze’s future were nothing out of the ordinary.
“Mario’s comments were an indication that we will have to sit down at some point in the coming months and discuss his situation. That is only logical.
“I cannot see anything negative about what Mario said. He has put a few things up for discussion and we will clarify everything in the second half of the season.
“A lot of things will have been resolved by then.”
With his contract due to expire in 2017, it’s unlikely that Liverpool will be unrivalled for the German international’s signature.
Provided he’s not concerned by Joe Allen’s recent goal-scoring heroics, a reunion with Klopp could be the perfect opportunity for Gotze to consistently play more football.