Klopp: Elite now want to join us as much as Real and Barcelona
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is uncomfortable with his side being described as the best in the world, but thinks Anfield has re-established itself at the top of the pyramid for elite players seeking a Premier League move.
It was not long ago Liverpool were compiling lists of potential recruits and considering how many of the game’s most coveted players could be attracted to Merseyside given the superiority of top-four rivals. The challenge for Klopp and sporting director Michael Edwards this summer is how many of the most sought-after signatures they will politely refuse.
RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner has openly flirted with the Premier League leaders during the past week, declaring himself proud to be linked with Liverpool and suggesting he would fit perfectly into Klopp’s system.
For Klopp, it is evidence that – with the exception of Spanish and South American stars – world-class players want to play for Liverpool as much as Barcelona and Real Madrid.
“I think for some players, if Barcelona or Real call, it’s still hard to say ‘no’,” said Klopp, whose side face West Ham United tonight.
“I think for the whole world, Liverpool are one of the top, top, top, top clubs.
But in the South American part of the world, the other two are a bit more famous, which makes sense language and culture-wise. It’s why calls from them could always cause some trouble, but apart from that, there’s not 500 clubs who could buy players from us.”
Werner, Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho and Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Kai Havertz have all been linked with Liverpool. The problem with them – aside from the considerable cost – is Klopp is content with the established line-up at his disposal and reluctant to sanction massive spending when there are no obvious vacancies in the starting XI.
“The CV [we are looking for] is not easy to fulfil,” said Klopp. “The age group of the team is good in this moment. In two or three years, maybe it’ll be different, but for the moment it’s good. It depends on what you want – is it a good age for selling? Probably not. But is it a good age for performing? Yes. So there’s a lot of things we have to think about.
“Last summer, we did Sepp van den Berg, Harvey Elliott and Adrian, and people were not happy with that. We will see if we can make the right decisions again.”