Klopp reveals the reason behind Liverpool's transfer hold up

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 14 May 2023 11:01 BST
• 3 min read

Jurgen Klopp has admitted that he isn't able to speak to transfer targets as Liverpool prepare for a huge summer in the transfer window.

The Reds are set to lose James Milner, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Roberto Firmino on free transfers, and Klopp wants to sign three new central midfielders to add to his ranks.

The ex-Borussia Dortmund boss was keen on raiding his former club for England international Jude Bellingham, but the 19-year-old is set to join Real Madrid after agreeing terms with the Spanish giants.

READ: Liverpool prepare for first summer transfer with number 10 shirt 'ready' for signing

It's the second time in two years that Los Blancos have beaten Liverpool to the signature of a key midfield target after snatching Aurelien Tchouameni away from the Reds last summer.

However, Liverpool are set to respond to losing out on Bellingham by signing Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Alexis Mac Allister. According to the Mirror, Liverpool are preparing an €80 million bid for the Argentine, with Milner set to move the other way on a free transfer.

Chelsea's Mason Mount is also wanted by Klopp, but Mauricio's Pochettino's arrival at Stamford Bridge is set to put a spanner in the works as the former Tottenham Hotspur boss sees Mount as a key player in his plans at the west London club. Bayern Munich's Ryan Gravenberch has been linked with a move to Anfield too.

READ: De Zerbi admits Man Utd and Liverpool targets may leave this transfer window

However, Klopp has bemoaned the process of signing players in England and believes it was far easier during his time at Dortmund.

What has Klopp said?

"We can’t speak to players early, we have to wait until we have permission," Klopp said to the media when asked about summer recruitment ahead of their clash against Leicester City on Monday night.

"In Germany I could talk pretty early to players, I remember that. But here I can’t and that’s obviously not cool. We can obviously watch them, but I wait for somebody to tell me I can go, then I go."

Liverpool have spent nearly €140m on transfers in the past year, with the bulk of that total accumulated by their purchase of Darwin Nunez from Benfica last summer. The Uruguay international has netted nine Premier League goals this season.