Klopp puts Liverpool in frame for potential Dortmund raid
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Unanimous reports say it’s only a matter of days before Jurgen Klopp is officially handed the Liverpool reins, throwing open the possibility that the incoming German manager plunders former stocks in the next transfer window.
Odds of 1/33 on Klopp’s Anfield appointment make it pretty safe to assume he’ll be the next Liverpool boss when January comes around.
It will depend on budget, Klopp’s assessment of the playing squad he has inherited and the authority he manages to assert over the Reds’ infamous transfer committee.
All of those elements considered though, it’s in no way outrageous to assume some of Borussia Dortmund’s assets would make his wishlist.
Freshly-appointed managers returning to former clubs to buy players who’ve impressed them and they have forged a healthy rapport with, is a well travelled path across football at all levels.
Look at Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal for a prime example. Firstly the Iron Tulip brought in two of his trusted players from his prior stint as Netherlands head coach in the form of Daley Blind and Memphis Depay, before former charge Bastian Schweinsteiger arrived from Bayern Munich.
Could Klopp therefore succeed where United failed with Dortmund’s world-class centre-half Mats Hummels or Liverpool hit a brick wall when trying to prise Marco Reus away from Signal Iduna Park?
It’s a big ask for sure. However, if the aura Klopp has built up around him is used as a litmus test, then it’s entirely possible these star players would wish to work under his infectious personality again.
Liverpool, like most clubs in world football, could certainly use either, especially a central defender of Hummels’ prestige.
Given their defensive vulnerability under Brendan Rodgers, even a lower profile player like left-back Marcel Schmelzer could improve the Reds in an area of weakness.
Dortmund’s flying start to the season muddies the waters slightly. However, even that has hit the buffers recently as a 5-1 loss to Bayern Munich off the back of three stalemates in all competitions, all-but confirmed the Bundesliga title is still off limits.
Depending on the state of play in Dortmund come January and indeed at Anfield, where Klopp may already have improved Liverpool’s fortunes markedly, the switch might yet become a more attractive one.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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