New Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp isn’t wasting any time in reshaping the Reds according to his football philosophies as he sets his sights to taking Liverpool back to the top of English football.
The ‘Normal One’ as he labelled himself in a recent interview, is assessing the Red’s squad as he looks towards the future in both domestic and European tournaments.
Klopp stated that he will give every Liverpool player a chance to impress him and secure their spot at the club.
Liverpool has been linked with several world-class players since Klopp’s appointment, although these are just rumours for now. The manager has said if he must, he will dive into the January transfer window.
Some of the players Klopp’s Liverpool are linked to played under the German manager during his time at Dortmund, whereas others have been on his radar for many years.
Here are five players that are currently linked to Liverpool, as the side approaches the January transfer window.
5. Bernd Leno (Bayern Leverkusen)
The Bayern Leverkusen goalkeeper is being lined up as a possible replacement for Simon Mignolet. The young German goalkeeper has starred for Leverkusen in past seasons and has been on Klopp’s radar since joining the Bundesliga side in 2011.
Despite being a constant starter under Brendan Rodgers, Mignolet has been inconsistent for Liverpool. Klopp will hope that the signing of Leno will bring stability and confidence to the Liverpool defensive lines as the German bolsters his squad.
4. Neven Subotic (Borussia Dortmund)
Subotic is a former pupil of Klopp during his time at Borussia Dortmund. The German has made the Serbian defender a transfer target for the Reds in the January window as he looks to further bolster Liverpool’s defence.
Subotic was sensational for Klopp during his time at Dortmund and would be an asset to Liverpool defence if he joined the squad. His transfer would mean that Liverpool’s current central defenders Dejan Lovren, Martin Skrtel, Kolo Toure and Mamadou Sakho have to secure their spot quickly if they are to remain at the club.
3. Andre Ayew (Swansea City)
The Ghanaian winger was linked with Liverpool throughout the summer however, the Reds withdrew their interests to further pursue Villa talisman Christian Benteke.
Klopp has other ideas, having monitored Ayew’s progress across his career the German has identified him as a transfer target for Liverpool going forward.
Ayew’s pace compliments Klopp’s attacking style and would be a fantastic addition to Liverpool. Although having recently joined Swansea, it is unlikely Ayew will be sold by the club.
2. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund)
Another of Klopp’s former players being linked with Liverpool is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Although the striker has been linked previously with Liverpool, these links have been strengthened since Klopp took control of Anfield.
The recent rumor around Anfield is that Klopp is spearheading a bid estimated at £35 M to bring the striker to Liverpool.
If Aubameyang joined the Reds, questions would be raised over the selection of current strikers Daniel Sturridge, Danny Ings and Christian Benteke.
1, Ruben Neves (FC Porto)
Klopp has made it clear to the Liverpool board that he wants to pursue the signature of FC Porto midfielder Ruben Neves.
Liverpool has now entered the race for the 18-year-old challenging the pursuits of Chelsea, Barcelona, and Real Madrid.
The Liverpool boss wants the club to activate the midfielder’s £29 M release clause in January and bring Neves to Anfield.
Despite being young, the 18-year-old has been likened to Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets. With Klopp’s fantastic rapport with young players and a potential guarantee of first team football, Neves may join Liverpool.
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