Klopp explains why Rangers is perfect place to be, as clever Ben Davies deal brings Liverpool defender exits to three

Liverpool have pocketed a handy profit after selling Ben Davies to Rangers, and Jurgen Klopp has explained why Ibrox is the perfect landing spot.

Davies, 26, arrived at Anfield in January 2021 during a time when Liverpool’s defensive ranks were riddled with injury. Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez were all sidelined, though it was Ozan Kabak, Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams who guided the Reds through to the end of the season.

In fact, Davies did not play a single minute of competitive action at Anfield that year and the situation did not change last season either.

He was loaned to Sheffield United last term, though has now found a new club via the permanent route.

Liverpool’s official website confirmed Davies has joined Scottish powerhouse Rangers. Sky Sports reported a four-year deal has been signed, with Liverpool receiving £3m up front.

Add-ons could add another £1m to Liverpool’s kitty, and if the final fee is £4m, it will represent a return of eight time Liverpool’s initial investment.

Indeed, Davies signed from Preston North End for £500,000, though given he never featured for the Reds, the £1.1m in performance related add-ons won’t have been triggered. What’s more, the Reds received £500,000 as a loan fee when Davies joined the Blades on loan last year.

Davies will now have the chance to prove his worth in the SPL, and Klopp explained why Ibrox is the perfect place to be.

Ben Davies can thrive at Rangers – Klopp

“Super move. Very positive outcome,” Klopp told Liverpool’s official website.

“Rangers is a fantastic club, a big club. Ben belongs on a big stage for sure. European football as well. This presents a proper opportunity to demonstrate his quality and composure.

“As a person he’s as good a guy as you could hope to meet.

“It’s a smart piece of recruitment from Giovanni van Bronckhorst, to be honest. Perfect for all parties. He has himself an accomplished defender, who is entering his peak years and whose character is top drawer.

“We wish Ben nothing but the success he deserves and will be following from here as he goes on to make many achievements during the rest of his career.”

Liverpool defensive exits swell to three

Aside from Davies, the Reds have also parted ways with Neco Williams and Rhys Williams this summer.

Neco joined Nottingham Forest for an eye-catching £17m. Rhys saw a loan deal to Championship side Blackpool cross the line on Tuesday.

The tally could rise to four pending the future of Nat Phillips.

The centre-half was strongly linked with Bournemouth earlier in the window. Phillips excelled while on loan with the Cherries last term and a £15m permanent move was reported to be in the works in early-July.

However, updates on that front have since gone quiet, leaving Phillips’ future in limbo.

With Van Dijk, Matip, Gomez and Ibrahima Konate all ahead in the pecking order, Phillips looks surplus to requirements.