Klopp remains upbeat despite warning fans of quiet transfer window

Liverpool fans could be forgiven for being pleased to see the back of this season, with the Reds having crashed out of Europe and both domestic cups long before the finals and registering one of the most feeble title defences on record. 

Despite strolling to their maiden Premier League title less than 12 months ago, Jurgen Klopp’s side have struggled for form all season and are now relying on results elsewhere to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

The Reds looked to have no chance of securing a top-four spot when Leicester beat Manchester United on Monday, but Arsenal’s shock 1-0 win over Chelsea on Wednesday evening followed by their 4-2 victory at Old Trafford 24 hours later has given Klopp’s side hope.

Despite fans’ frustration with the was this season has gone, the German was keen to reiterate the club’s position when asked about any potential transfer plans.

Prior to the win at Manchester United, Klopp explained that he doesn’t not expect to have much of a transfer budget this summer, but that the return of his long term absentees can help his side launch a title bid once again.

“I hear a lot about big money moves – is Mbappe going or not, Haaland, Sancho – I don’t see that happening because the football world is still not in the same place as it was before”, the German told reporters.

“People talk about changing football structure completely – like the German model – but I can tell you the budgets will go down massively so (fans) having more say in club’s decisions, changing the owner model, and then signing Haaland for £150 million, that doesn’t work together.

“Getting the injured players back makes us already better, these are our first transfers.”

Van Dijk has not played since rupturing his cruciate ligament against Everton in October last year.

Liverpool have been without first choice central defensive pairing of Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk for almost the entirety of this season, while midfielders Jordan Henderson and Fabinho have also spent long stints on the sidelines.

Van Dijk will miss the European Championships with the Netherlands this summer, however should be back for pre-season with the Reds.

Meanwhile, Joe Gomez could return around the same time and Henderson could even be fit for the Euros this summer, however Klopp expects him to be ‘fit and properly rested’ if England manager Gareth Southgate is to select him.