Liverpool: 5 bargain deals under Jurgen Klopp
Liverpool's success under the stewardship of Fenway Sports Group (FSG) has been nothing short of remarkable, particularly under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp. Despite initial skepticism surrounding FSG's ownership following managerial appointments like Brendan Rodgers and Kenny Dalglish, Klopp's tenure has ushered in an era of triumph for the club.
FSG's adept utilization of the renowned Moneyball method has been central to Liverpool's resurgence. This strategic approach, inspired by data analysis and efficient resource allocation, has propelled the club towards both Premier League and Champions League glory while bringing them tantalizingly close to clinching these prestigious trophies on multiple occasions.
Crucially, Liverpool's success has not been solely determined by the magnitude of their transfer expenditure. Instead, FSG has demonstrated a keen eye for talent by uncovering hidden gems and securing underrated players from other clubs at bargain prices. This astute transfer strategy has proven instrumental in the club's rise to prominence, highlighting that effective spending, rather than extravagant investment, is the key to sustained success.
In this article, we delve into five bargain acquisitions made by Liverpool, each costing the club less than £10 million. These players, despite their modest price tags, have made significant contributions to Liverpool's triumphs, underscoring the club's ability to uncover talent and maximize resources under FSG and Klopp's tenure.
Liverpool's five bargain deals under Jurgen Klopp
#5 Ragnar Klavan:
After the departures of experienced defenders Martin Škrtel and Kolo Touré, Liverpool needed to act in the transfer market despite securing Joel Matip on a free transfer from Schalke. To address the void left by Škrtel and Touré, Jürgen Klopp turned to his Bundesliga shortlist and signed Ragnar Klavan from Augsburg for a modest fee of £4.2 million during the summer of 2016.
Initially expected to provide backup for Matip and Joe Gomez, Klavan was thrust into a starting role from day one due to an injury to Alberto Moreno, which forced Gomez to play as a left-back. Despite this unexpected start, the former Augsburg defender adapted quickly and spent a fruitful 24 months at Anfield, making 53 appearances for the club.
Though he played just over half a century of games for Liverpool, Klavan became a true cult hero among the Anfield faithful. His performances, coupled with his never-say-die attitude, earned him widespread praise and endeared him to the fans.
#4 Harvey Elliott:
Jurgen Klopp has openly acknowledged that Harvey Elliott should have been given more playing time this season, especially considering his struggles for game time during the first part of the campaign. Elliott's performances have undoubtedly impressed Liverpool supporters despite the initial challenges he faced in establishing himself as an important squad member.
A situation arose after Liverpool and Fulham failed to agree on a transfer fee, leading the clubs to seek a resolution from the Professional Footballers Compensation Committee in 2019. Following careful consideration, Liverpool was instructed to pay £4.2 million for the then 16-year-old midfielder.
After spending a year on loan at Blackburn Rovers during the 2020-21 campaign, he returned to feature for Liverpool's U23s before earning opportunities with the first team. His journey to secure a spot in Liverpool's starting lineup has been marked by hard work and determination. At just 21 years old, Elliott has demonstrated significant growth and potential, earning his place among Klopp's selections.
#3 Takumi Minamino:
Takumi Minamino's breathtaking volley in the 2019-20 Champions League group stage game against RB Salzburg at Anfield left Jurgen Klopp thoroughly impressed. Following this standout performance, the Japanese forward was signed for a relatively modest fee of £7.25 million from the Austrian club during the 2020 January transfer window, joining the ranks of the English giants.
Despite his undeniable talent, Minamino encountered difficulties breaking into Liverpool's formidable front three, given the established quality of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah, and Sadio Mané. Nonetheless, he made his presence felt by delivering crucial goals in cup competitions. Of his 14 goals for the club, nine were scored in the FA Cup and League Cup.
Over three seasons, Minamino featured in just 30 Premier League games for Liverpool and actively sought to leave the club during the 2021-22 summer transfer window, following his contributions to Liverpool's League Cup and FA Cup victories. Since joining AS Monaco, he has emerged as one of their most important players, showcasing his talents after initially enduring a slow start to his career in France.
#2 Joel Matip:
Joel Matip holds the distinction of being the first defender Jürgen Klopp signed on a permanent transfer, following Steven Caulker's loan arrival during the January transfer window. Joining the club six months after Caulker, Matip's free transfer to Liverpool marked the beginning of a significant chapter in his career. Despite battling injuries season after season, the Cameroonian has made over 200 appearances for the club, demonstrating his commitment and value to the team.
Matip's resilience and consistent contributions, whenever fit, have been notable throughout his time at Anfield. A standout moment came in the 2019-20 Champions League final against Tottenham Hotspur, where he played a pivotal role in securing victory. Known for his defensive prowess and occasional goal-scoring ability, Matip has found the back of the net 11 times during his successful tenure at Liverpool.
Unfortunately, he suffered an ACL injury during Liverpool's 4-3 victory against Fulham on December 3, 2023, which ultimately led to his departure from the club as a free agent. It is a bittersweet moment for Liverpool fans, as they bid farewell to one of their most underrated defenders in the Premier League era.
Despite his injury woes, Matip's impact and contributions will be remembered fondly, and it is unfortunate that he will not have the opportunity for a proper farewell game at Anfield.
#1 Andy Robertson:
Andy Robertson needs no introduction, as he stands tall as one of the premier left-backs in world football today. Hailing from Scotland, Robertson entered the footballing scene as a relatively unknown prospect when he was signed during the 2017 summer transfer window. However, his journey with Liverpool has been nothing short of remarkable, with his consistent performances elevating him to the status of a world-class left-back.
Having previously plied his trade in the Premier League with Hull City, Robertson quickly adapted to the demands of Liverpool and cemented his status as a club legend, amassing nearly 300 appearances for the English giants. Arriving for a modest fee of £7 million, Robertson has surpassed all expectations, proving to be a stalwart on the left flank alongside his full-back partner Trent Alexander-Arnold.
At just 30 years old, Robertson boasts an impressive record as the leading Premier League assister by a defender, with 59 assists to his name, narrowly edging out Alexander-Arnold. Their healthy competition serves as a testament to the formidable defensive duo they form for Liverpool.
With a contract that extends until 2026, Robertson is poised to play a pivotal role as Liverpool navigate through a period of transition following Klopp's tenure, ensuring his continued impact on the pitch as the club looks towards the future.