Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has said that it is not the club’s fault should they fail to add more names to his squad before the transfer deadline next week, reports the Guardian.
Klopp has indicated that Liverpool are still working to bring in new faces ahead of the transfer deadline in his pre-match conference for the Arsenal game. The German tactician also revealed how things panned out in the summer window so far with opposition clubs reluctant to sell.
Liverpool have signed just three players so far in the window with Mohamed Salah, Andrew Robertson and Dominic Solanke. While Salah came from Roma and Robertson joined from Hull City, Solanke was snapped on a free transfer from Chelsea.
Klopp wanted to add Naby Keita from RB Leipzig and Virgil van Dijk from Southampton. Both these transfers have not materialized thus far with the opponent clubs reluctant to sell to Liverpool despite interest from the players to join Klopp at Anfield.
“All the players we spoke to we convinced [to sign],” the German said, as quoted by Guardian. “It’s not about money. It’s not about us. Sometimes it is just possible or not possible.”
The German manager is happy that all his signings have settled into a good rhythm very early. Robertson made an impressive debut against Crystal Palace last weekend while both Salah and Solanke have been very impressive. And Klopp is insistent that he is happy with his squad although a lot of things are still possible before the deadline.
“Until the 31st that’s how the business is, a lot of things are possible, in and out. If the transfer window closed tomorrow, I’m happy with it, that’s how it is.”
One thing in favour of Klopp is the re-emergence of both James Milner and Alberto Moreno which feels like new signings for him. The Spanish left-back has impressed so far in his natural position which meant that Milner could go back to his midfield role. That’s more like two new signings for the side, according to the German manager. He said:
“James Milner plays in midfield again – that’s like a transfer for us. Alberto Moreno plays left-back again in an outstanding way. We will see what happens. I’m happy at the moment. Will I be happier after the 31st? We will see.”
There is still hope within Anfield that a move for Van Dijk will materialize. Southampton resisted so far and were reluctant to do business with the Reds although the defender himself had indicated his desire of joining Klopp.
The Saints are slowly coming to terms that the player could move out of the club and the signing of Wesley Hoedt from Lazio is a sign – although Southampton maintain that he is not a replacement and would play alongside Van Dijk.
