Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Liverpool transfer news: Midfielder set to sign ‘next week’ as Klopp sanctions big unexpected move

Jurgen Klopp Liverpool July 2022

Liverpool are reportedly set to say an unexpected premature farewell to one of their costliest-ever signings next week amid claims Jurgen Klopp has signed off the player’s move to Turkey.

The Reds are struggling to reach find their top form this season and currently sit 10th in the table. With just eight wins from their 19 games Premier League games played so far, they will be eager not to lose further ground on the top four this weekend. As such, pressure to take something from their clash against Wolves at Molineux will be intense.

Part of Liverpool’s issues this season have been their well-documented midfield problems. And one of Klopp’s major jobs this year is to rebuild their engine room and ensure they are back among the title challengers next season.

To that end, Jude Bellingham is their No 1 target. Any deal for the Borussia Dortmund teenager, though, is likely to set them back a club-record fee. Indeed, one BILD TV presenter, though, is adamant that the England star is heading to Anfield.

As well as Bellingham, though, it is likely that Liverpool will need at least one other signing. To that end, The Times’ Paul Joyce has named the star likely to also be on Klopp’s wishlist this summer.

Liverpool’s need for reinforcements there is all the more acute with at least two departures on the cards.

Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are both out of contract in the summer. Having struggled with injuries throughout their time at Anfield, they are expected to leave as free agents. James Milner, who was 37 earlier this month, may also be in the final throes of his time on Merseyside.

Klopp sanctions early Liverpool exit for Naby Keita

Keita has been a big disappointment to say the least. Having cost a whopping £52.75m from RB Leipzig in 2018, he is the fourth most expensive signing in the club’s history.

Inherting the famous No 8 shirt at Anfield, big things were expected of the Guinean star.

However, injuries have seriously limited his effectiveness at Anfield. And with his deal expiring this summer, reports in January suggested Klopp was looking to offer him in a swap deal for an Inter Milan star.

While that move never happened, Keita’s future remains a cause for debate.

Now reports in Turkey claim the player has held talks over a move to Galatasaray.

The Turkish transfer window remains open until February 8 and Keita is reportedly their top target. Indeed, according to A Spor, Keita could secure the move to Istanbul ‘next week’ ahead of the closing of the window on Wednesday.

The sale has also reportedly been signed off by Klopp, who is seemingly planning on life after Keita. And it’s reported that Klopp wants to move the midfielder on now while he can still claim a fee.

That said, the report appears to overlook that Keita has been part of Liverpool’s line-up in recent weeks.

Indeed, he could make a fourth successive start when they tackle Wolves on Saturday.

As such, it would come as no surprise if the reports were inaccurate and Klopp decides to retain his services until the summer.

Liverpool are still active on two fronts and will need all their options available as they move into the business end of the season.

READ MOREPSG ready to prise away Liverpool crown jewel as report claims ace has dined with Nasser al-Khelaifi