Liverpool: Klopp and Lijnders hugely impressed with Ben White

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and his number two Pep Lijnders were left stunned by defender Ben White during his side’s victory over the Reds at Anfield in January, according to reports.
White catches the eye
The 23-year-old was on the winning side for the Seagulls that inflicted the Reds their fourth Premier League defeat of the season and their second loss in a row at home (Fotmob).
White was sent on loan to Leeds United last season played a significant part in their Championship-winning season – starting all 46 matches and accumulating over 4000 minutes of action (Whoscored).
Having been heavily linked with a move to Anfield last summer, Football Insider revealed that both Klopp and Lijnders were pleased with what they saw from the Englishman, who was previously described as a “terrific” centre back by Brighton CEO Paul Barber (via talkSPORT).
During the current campaign, White has averaged 1.5 tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 2.6 aerial duels won from 23 games, with the Seagulls sitting perilously close to the relegation zone.
Transfer Tavern Verdict
It is understandable why the Reds did not pursue White in the summer – due to his £50m price tag that was unveiled in December.
Before the 2020/21 campaign, White had never played Premier League football and it would have been ridiculous for Liverpool to take such a huge gamble on an unproven talent such as White.
That being said, their stance may now have changed. Depending on how Ozan Kabak gets on from now until the end of the season, White could be on the Anfield shopping last once more.
In other news, Liverpool in four-horse race to sign ‘unplayable’ 138-goal talent in blockbuster deal – report.
