Klopp admiration for unhappy Chelsea star revealed with Liverpool named as ideal candidates to seal shock deal

Liverpool are being tipped to show interest in signing an increasingly-frustrated Chelsea man, with Jurgen Klopp potentially looking to him to add more cover and competition to his squad.

The Reds manager is gearing up for what will likely be a busy year of transfer arrivals. Liverpool have not performed as expected in the first 15 games of the season and currently sit sixth in the Premier League, six points adrift of Tottenham in fourth.

A large portion of their inconsistencies can be attributed to a lack of options in central midfield. It was a situation Klopp recognised over the summer, though only Arthur Melo arrived on a season’s loan on deadline day.

The capture of the Brazilian star though has not worked out as planned. He’s featured just twice as a substitute and will remain sidelined until late February, per the latest reports.

The situation is further exasperated by the fact that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has just four appearances to his name this season. However, both he and Naby Keita (zero appearances in 2022/23) are out of contract in the summer and likely to walk away.

As such, Klopp will likely be putting a lot of focus into the strengthening of his midfield. Jude Bellingham is a top target, while another World Cup star in Enzo Fernandez is also being linked.

However, Tuesday’s Euro Paper Talk suggested a fascinating three-way arrival was heading Liverpool’s way to the total cost of £251m.

And while Liverpool will likely put their focus into midfield reinforcements, Klopp also has other issues to resolve in attack.

Indeed, Roberto Firmino is also out of contract next summer. The Brazilian has been offered a new deal, though reports claim this will be on reduced terms to what he earns now.

Liverpool have admiration for Christian Pulisic

Firmino has been a consistent performer in the Reds attack this season, with his nine goals and four assists very much rolling back the years.

The Brazilian’s contribution helps further given the Reds have also been without Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz for lengthy periods this season.

Diaz’s absence has certainly been felt. The Colombian has been an excellent addition to the Reds attack following his arrival 11 months ago from Porto.

However, a knee injury sustained at Arsenal has grounded him to a halt. He was in line to return to action over the festive period, though Klopp has since revealed he has suffered a setback, needs more surgery and now looks unlikely to play until March.

Klopp described the setback for Diaz as “a proper smash in the face”; a dramatic, yet also very Klopp-like description.

The German though is right. His absence does create issues for a Liverpool side, who have perhaps relied on the likes of Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho more than may have been expected.

However, there could be a solution to the issue presenting itself at Chelsea.

Indeed, the Blues winger Christian Pulisic looks increasingly likely to be on the move in January. And the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle have both been credited with an interest.

Signing Chelsea man would solve Liverpool issues

However, the player is also well known to Klopp thanks to their Borussia Dortmund connections.

Liverpool were linked with the USA forward prior to his move to Stamford Bridge.

Now journalist Dean Jones believes a move to Anfield could be a logical solution for Klopp and Liverpool.

“The ideal candidate in this situation would probably be Pulisic,” Jones told Givemesport. “He’s someone Klopp has admired for a long time, but I just can’t see that opening up in a way that suits them.”

Chelsea paid £58m for Pulisic in 2019, but he’s another big-money signing that has not worked out.

In his time at Stamford Bridge, the American has 26 goals and 21 assists from 133 appearances.

A change of scene will undoubtedly do him good. However, it seems Chelsea’s asking price is likely to be beyond what Liverpool would want to spend.

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