Klopp promised funds for major transfer spree

Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp has been promised backing for a transfer spree to rejuvenate the Liverpool squad this summer. The manager will have more resources than any of his Anfield predecessors when he comes to revamp the underperforming squad at the end of the season, with the Capital One Cup final disappointment having underlined the side’s limitations. Liverpool have no set budget, but the impact of the new Premier League TV deal will give Klopp the money he needs to take the makeup of the side in any direction he deems necessary.

Although the German coach has spoken at length about giving the players he inherited an opportunity, and many still have time to redeem themselves in the Europa League, that is not going to prevent significant moves in the transfer market. Players of the calibre of Bayern Munich’s Mario Gotze, who Klopp managed at Borussia Dortmund, is on the manager’s list of targets, although it would take all his powers of persuasion to convince the German World Cup winner to leave a club competing in the Champions League for Anfield.

Liverpool also tried to sign Polish international Piotr Zieliski in January, the midfielder currently on loan to Empoli from Udinese. The Merseyside club will try to revive that deal this summer. Udinese are owned by the Watford owner, Giampaolo Pozzo, and Liverpool were trying to negotiate a deal for 21-year-old Zieliski that would see Anfield striker Jerome Sinclair move to Vicarage Road. Klopp is also interested in Leicester City’s 18-year-old leftback, Ben Chilwell, while a new goalkeeper and striker are also priorities. With Joel Matip and Marko Grujic already secured for the start of next season, Klopp could comfortably go beyond the seven new recruits that have become customary every summer at Anfield for the last few years as he seeks the right balance in his squad.

The repercussions for those playing for their futures could not be clearer, despite the consistent backing they have received since Klopp took over from Brendan Rodgers. Simon Mignolet recently signed a five-year deal but might find himself relegated to number two by preseason. Fullback Alberto Moreno has continuously failed to impress under the new manager and none of the centre-backs has stood out as a defensive leader. The most glaring problem surrounds the future of striker Christian Benteke, who despite costing Liverpool 32.5 million pounds could not find his way off the bench against Manchester City in the Capital One Cup final.

Klopp has shown little faith in the striker since taking over, but the player himself has indicated he wants to prove his manager wrong and show his worth. Benteke rejected the chance to leave Liverpool in January. The Chinese Super League expressed an interest and he will have a decision to make in the summer if his career is not to stagnate. Divock Origi has shown promise but Klopp will not go into next season relying on the fitness of Daniel Sturridge in a team that suffer from a chronic inability to score goals. He is targeting players of pace in attack, and needs more leadership and composure at the back.

Liverpool’s most impressive centrehalf this season has proven to be Lucas Leiva, a midfielder deployed in an emergency role. Many Liverpool players will be assessing those coming in and contemplating what it will mean for their futures. Klopp said earlier in the season how all relationships between players and clubs are reconsidered at the end of a campaign with either the club or the player deciding it is time to part company. Jordan Henderson, the captain, expects the manager to add new faces. “I do think he will want to make his own stamp on the transfer market with players that he brings in. That would be the case with any manager really. I’m sure he will be looking at players to bring in this summer to strengthen the team to make us better and give us more chance of winning trophies,” he said.