Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has ruled out signing a new midfielder this summer – but hinted at a future move for Jude Bellingham.
Klopp has brought in three new players during the transfer window, with Fabio Carvalho, Calvin Ramsay and Darwin Nunez all joining last season’s FA Cup and Carabao Cup winners, and Premier League and Champions League runners-up.
However, some believe the Reds need a new central midfielder if they are to continue to win trophies next season.
Borussia Dortmund and England star Bellingham the man fans want, with many claiming he is the all-round player Liverpool have been missing since the departure of club legend Steven Gerrard.
But, when asked about Bellingham, Klopp claimed that the ‘only problem’ with the England international is that he’s not currently available, which could imply a potential move next summer.
Klopp ruled out the addition of a midfielder this summer, unless someone leaves the club with the boss not short of options in that position.
When asked if Liverpool would buy a midfielder before the window closes, Klopp replied: “No. I can say that.
“I don’t think something will happen in midfield. You never know, if somebody comes to me and says ‘I want to go’… but nobody came to me yet.
“If that happens then we have to talk. But if the situation stays like it is, then tell me why [I should sign someone]? I do not understand.
“People told me about this discussion but the last thing that would have crossed my mind is that we have to do this [sign another midfielder].
“We can go through it. Where do you want to start? So, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Thiago, James Milner, Naby Keita, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Fabio Carvalho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – now you tell me what kind of player are we missing?
“Do we want a midfielder who is offensive, 1.95m tall and arrives into the box to head balls in? Do we miss that? OK, apart from that!
“We have three players in the squad who can easily play as a No.6 – Fabinho, of course, but also Hendo and Milly played it fine.
“Creativity? If we bring in a player just for that, we immediately make it more difficult for Harvey, Curtis and Fabio. They can all play different positions as well, of course: Curtis can play a line higher and Harvey and Fabio can play there, too.
“We can play a different system as well, where we might only need two midfielders, but then all these guys can play as a No.10 in the new system.
“So where is the need for a midfielder? The day when somebody comes to me and tells me why exactly…
“We should not forget that last season, in the first four games, Harvey was the best player. He was outstanding.
“Fabio, you look at him and what he did at Fulham. Why should we bring a boy in and then tell him he is midfielder number nine? It makes no sense.
“You have to leave the doors open for the boys. I really don’t understand the discussion about the midfielders.”
Klopp was then asked about the possibility of signing Bellingham, to which he said: “He’s not on the market, so that’s the first problem with that player. Well, the only problem with that player!”
The 18-year-old had another great Bundesliga campaign last season, scoring six goals and providing 14 assists in all competitions for Dortmund.
But it’s widely understood that the starlet is not for sale this summer, after Erling Haaland’s move from the German side to Man City.
That may change next year, though with Liverpool and Manchester United reportedly interested in the midfielder – but Real Madrid may be the favourites for his signature.
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