Liverpool were reportedly set to make two marquee signings before the coronavirus pandemic tore up their summer transfer plans. The Reds have been forced into a rethink after their finances were severely dented following a lack of match-day income.
Chief executive Peter Moore admitted in April that there was “a massive downturn in revenue” while outgoings remained throughout the crisis.
The club were heavily criticised following their decision to place some non-playing staff on temporary leave while applying the government’s taxpayer-funded job retention scheme.
Liverpool eventually reversed the decision following a fierce backlash, but it gave an indication of the state of play despite £42million profits last year.
At the start of this year, the club’s hierarchy sat down with Jurgen Klopp to discuss transfers.
According to Goal, Liverpool had planned to bring in at least two high-profile additions this summer.
The Anfield board were later forced to delay their plans and wait to see the full impact of the COVID-19 crisis.
Timo Werner was of course one of the names on their agenda and Klopp had spoken with the German over Easter.
Werner then set Liverpool a deadline for a deal and it soon became clear that it no longer made financial sense for them.
He was set to request regular game time and the same salary as top-earner Mohamed Salah, something that would have disrupted the club’s pay structure.
Klopp was forced to tell Werner at the start of June that the club would not be going ahead with a transfer, despite it being his first choice destination.
UEFA have since extended the transfer window until October, meaning Liverpool will have extra time for their finances to recover.
Jadon Sancho remains another name on the club’s radar and he could leave Borussia Dortmund this summer amid strong interest from Manchester United.
Klopp has been making checks on Sancho with his old club and they have promised to keep him in the loop.
Kalidou Koulibaly has also been speculatively linked in the Italian press.
Former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor believes the board will be willing to sign off a marquee signing upon Klopp’s request.
“It’s exciting to see Liverpool linked with them as they are all excellent players,” he told GentingBet.
“Koulibaly is one of the best centre-backs in world football.
“I think the club has shown they will back Klopp – so if he really feels one of these players will improve the team and squad, I’d expect them to back him in the market this summer.
“You are talking big money for all of them but with Van Dijk and Alisson, the club have proved they are willing to back the manager if he believes certain signings are critical.”
