The 2019-20 Premier League will conclude in a historic fashion for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool FC side. The Reds took home their first league title in 30 years, setting several records in the process, and are on course to breaking further records over the course of their remaining games. The Merseyside club have been nothing short of rampant throughout the campaign, and have proven their credentials of being one of the best teams to have played in the Premier League era.
The transfer window has reopened and it gives Jurgen Klopp a glorious opportunity to further strengthen his squad over the summer. With departures of certain current players said to be imminent, it falls upon Klopp to make worthy additions to the title-winning side. However, the German has remained tight-lipped so far on prospective transfer business to be done by Liverpool FC.
The Reds’ were in the news for missing out on the signing German international Timo Werner last month, with the former RB Leipzig star making the switch to Chelsea FC instead. However, it is very well known that Werner’s preferred destination was Liverpool FC.
The 24-year old striker was very keen on playing for the Merseyside club under Klopp’s guidance. Reports had suggested that the Liverpool FC manager had even taken part in video calls with the German attacker in order to persuade him to seal a move to Liverpool FC.
However, an Anfield switch for Werner did not materialize due to pricing concerns over the Reds’ behalf. Chelsea FC’s riches allowed them to hijack Liverpool FC’s approach for the 24-year old and were able to conclude a deal with Leipzig in merely a fortnight. As a result, the Reds fanbase, who were longing to see Werner in the Liverpool FC colours, would now see the German line up at Stamford Bridge next season.
Klopp has repeatedly emphasized his inability to dip deeper into the transfer market this summer due to the financial shortfall brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The ongoing crisis has had a severe impact on footballing incomes around the world, and Liverpool FC also have been the victim of the same.
Peter Moore, the Chief Executive Officer of Liverpool FC, had warned the Reds’ supporters earlier this year in April that they should harbour expectations of any high-profile signings in the summer to be made by Liverpool FC. Moore had stated that the Merseyside club had been on the receiving end of “a massive downturn in revenue”. The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly put a roadblock in the Reds’ income from various sources.
Klopp himself had confirmed the looming possibility of Liverpool FC going through the summer transfer window without making any major signing. The last summer had seen the Reds sign Adrian on a free transfer, however, the Spaniard was brought in only as a replacement for the departing Simon Mignolet to serve as the backup option to Liverpool FC first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
In the January transfer window of the current year, Klopp was successful in signing Takumi Minamino, the RB Salzburg player who had impressed against the Reds in the Champions League group stage ties between the two sides. However, the Japanese international only cost Liverpool FC a sum of £7.25 million.
There does exist a possible scenario where Klopp could be tempted to not make any major signings for the Reds this summer. Such a decision on Klopp’s behalf could be swayed by the fact that there are numerous emerging talents at the Reds youth academy who have broken into the Liverpool FC first-team.
Curtis Jones, Neco Williams, and Harvey Elliot have all been superb in the limited first-team opportunities they have got this season for the Reds. Klopp has spared no such game in recent weeks in which at least one of three starlets have gained some valuable minutes on the pitch for Liverpool FC.
Moreover, there are significant Reds’ loanees that will return shortly to Anfield following the end of their loan spells elsewhere. Loris Karius, the villain for Liverpool FC for his horrendous performance in the 2018 UEFA Champions League final loss to Real Madrid, will return following a two-year loan stint at Turkish side Besiktas.
The German shot-stopper has already asserted that he would challenge for the number two goalkeeping spot in the Liverpool FC squad. In the event of Adrian leaving the Reds’, Klopp would not need to sign a new goalkeeper to serve as a backup to Alisson.
Welsh international Harry Wilson will also return after spending the 2019-20 season on loan at AFC Bournemouth. The winger has been in fine form for the otherwise struggling Cherries throughout the current campaign, scoring seven goals for the Bournemouth side.
The 23-year old would be keen on making an impact on the Liverpool FC first-team squad in which he has failed to break into so far. Wilson has spent the majority of his time at the Reds on loan at a number of different clubs, a streak that the Welshman would be hoping to end.
Other returnees include Serbian midfielder Marko Grujic and 20-year old Ben Woodburn. Both players would be looking forward to being a part of Jurgen Klopp’s future plans at Liverpool FC. It is evident from the talent of both Grujic as well as Woodburn, that they could act as handy squad rotation options for Klopp in the case of injuries or suspensions to first-team starters.
Clearly, Klopp does possess a full-strength squad at Liverpool FC at the moment. Even with the departures of certain players, like Adam Lallana, and with Dejan Lovren tipped to leave as well, the Reds’ squad should be well-stocked with talent come next season as well.
However, whether Klopp does make a splash in the transfer market, is known only to the German coach and to the Liverpool FC management. The Reds’ fans would no doubt be looking towards defending their Premier League glory next season regardless of their side’s transfer business.
