Klopp makes Liverpool transfer admission when asked if emergence of ‘top player’ alters his plans
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Stefan Bajcetic is not altering his transfer plans as the manager is still committed to a midfield rebuild.
The Reds are keen to strengthen in the middle of the pitch this summer and Borussia Dortmund standout Jude Bellingham is their top target.
19-year-old Harvey Elliott has featured in every match for Liverpool this term, while Bajcetic has become an integral player since the turn of the year.
However, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita expected to leave at the end of their contracts this summer and uncertainty over whether 37-year-old James Milner’s deal will be extended for another 12 months, there is major work to be done.
“We know exactly what we need. That didn’t change,” said Klopp.
“But I wouldn’t say when we started our planning in September/October that Stefan was already necessarily involved in all of these talks but of course he is now – it would be crazy if not.
“He is a top player and we are really happy that when we had to improve defensively but his defensive contribution is really interesting for each football team.
“The position he plays, he is a really smart player with good vision, good overview, good technique, but we need players, we cannot go with only three midfielders in a season.”
Elliott arguably had his best game for the club in last week’s win over Wolves and Klopp has been impressed with the teenager’s development.
“Pretty good for a 19-year-old, yeah? There is a lot to come from the boy,” he added.
“We count on them but that does not mean we will not have a look in the summer.”
Speaking last month, Mark Lawrenson suggested that Bajcetic has “made all of the difference” for Liverpool.
“He’s a player. I hate to go so early when you see a young player come into the team, but he’s been outstanding,” Lawrenson said.
“I’ve been at all of the last five or six games and he’s been outstanding and he has been the best player. It remains to be seen today what will happen. He got Fabinho back at the weekend, Henderson is there as well, you need that experience, but Bajcetic is different and he’s made all of the difference.
“He has no fear at the moment, he probably goes home after training and says ‘this is easy, I wish I’d done this two years ago when I was a real kid.”
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