It’s been a thoroughly successful spell for Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp since he took over the reigns at Anfield in October, with the highlight still to come as the Reds could seal a passage back into the Champions League and earn a major honour by winning the Europa League.
That game against Sevilla in Basel is very much at the forefront of the fans’ minds currently but, when that game is over, Kopites will be looking ahead to their first full season under Klopp and, notably, the first summer window with the German in charge.
During his time previously with Borussia Dortmund, Klopp earned rave reviews by finding bargains in the transfer market and taking a punt on players that many had overlooked- which gave us the likes of Mats Hummels, Robert Lewandowski and Mario Gotze.
If he achieves just half of the success he did with the Bundesliga side, then Liverpool will be in very good shape and there’s also the chance he could reunite with some of his former stars this summer- which is exactly what many fans will be hoping for.
Hit Klopp below to see FIVE of his former stars he could bring to Anfield!
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Mario Gotze
The 23-year-old German international hasn’t had the best of times since he did the unforgivable and left Borussia Dortmund for Bayern Munich, with the latest from Germany being that incoming Bayern boss Carlo Ancelotti sees Mario Gotze as surplus to requirements.
Gotze, who scored the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup final, will be keen to get his club career back-on-track and a reunion with Klopp, who gave him his breakthrough at Dortmund, could prove to be the perfect career move.
However, Liverpool will face competition with Arsenal and Juventus amongst those said to be keen on the player.
Marco Reus
Come the end of the summer, Marco Reus may wonder what on earth has happened to his team as it looks set to be another close-season of major departure at Dortmund, with Mats Hummels having already become the latest man to switch allegiances and join Bayern Munich.
It’s been said that he has a pact with Pierre-Emerick Aubamayeng to stay as long as he does but with the Gabonese international making no secret of his desire to play for Real Madrid, and Los Blancos in the market for a forward, Reus may decide it’s time for a move too.
The latest two years have been difficult for Reus, not least with the pain of missing the 2014 World Cup through injury and seeing his team-mates lift the trophy, so Reus will want a return to the big-time, which may mean Liverpool have to qualify for the Champions League in order to get him.
Ilkay Gundogan
Ilkay Gundogan has suffered yet another injury problem, ruling him out of this summer’s European Championships, but there is a wealth of interest in the midfielder and Borussia Dortmund have made it fairly simple- either go, or sign a new long-term deal with the club.
Whilst Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City may look to be the most favourable destination for Gundogan, Liverpool certainly have a spot in their midfield for him and the lure of working with Klopp once again may prove to be decisive.
However, yet again, it could come down to whether the Reds qualify for the Champions League.
Neven Subotic
The veteran defender’s name has been linked with Liverpool ever since Jurgen Klopp took charge and, out of the players on this list, signing the 27-year-old seems an extremely realistic possibility for Liverpool- although the situation may have changed.
With Dortmund having already lost Mats Hummels, they may be reluctant to lose Subotic too. Alternatively, they could see this as the perfect time to rejuvenate their back-line, which would play into Liverpool’s hands.
The Reds need to improve their defence, though they’ve already secured Joel Matip on the free transfer, but the opportunity of signing Subotic may be too good to pass up.
Robert Lewandowski
Ok, we’ll admit this one is extremely unlikely but you should never rule things out in football, particularly with the way this summer is shaping up to be. With Pep Guardiola leaving Bayern Munich, Robert Lewandowski may deem it to be the right time to enjoy a change in his career.
If that happens, Spain or England is the most likely destination for the striker and, on the face of it, the only club who would land him in Spain is Real Madrid. Therefore, if they don’t want him, England is the perfect choice.
With Chelsea and either Manchester City or Manchester United out of the Champions League, the race for Lewandowski’s signature may be far more open than many predict and the Klopp effect could prove to be decisive.
