Klopp sends Liverpool transfer warning - but leaves door open for January deals

01 January 2023 , 22:30

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Jurgen Klopp says Cody Gakpo's arrival is not a sign of things to come (Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Liverpool do not have the financial muscle to “play like Monopoly” in the January transfer window after signing Cody Gakpo, according to Jurgen Klopp.

The Reds moved fast to sign Gakpo ahead of rivals Manchester United by agreeing to pay PSV Eindhoven a lump sum of £37million in a deal worth a total of £45m. The transfer has parallels with the arrival of Luis Diaz last January, with Liverpool beating Tottenham to the Colombian winger by paying Porto £37.5m up front and £12.5m in potential add-ons.

Gakpo’s arrival adds quality and depth to Liverpool’s squad, but he could be the only new signing this month. Klopp has frequently reiterated his view that Liverpool operate on a different financial level to rivals like Manchester City, and he has played down the transfer hype once again.

“I am here seven years and it is every window, pretty much the same – we talk about these things as though money didn’t play a role. It is never like this,” Klopp said.

“We sign an outstanding player like Cody Gakpo and the next player you can read [about]. We cannot play like Monopoly. Of course we cannot just spend and never could.

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“It is a big part of my philosophy, working full of faith and trust with the players we have and not constantly telling them we need another player in the position. With Cody the quality he has, the timing and if we wait until the summer he will be more expensive, it makes sense.

Cody Gakpo has joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven (Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

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“It is clear that you need real quality in all positions and two teams with the same level that you can rotate and that is what we can prepare. Now that people are surprised when we say we cannot start splashing the cash, that should be really clear.

“If there is something we can do and that means right player and financial situation, we will do it.”

Despite his pragmatism on transfers, Klopp conceded that Liverpool may still dip into the market this month – but that will only happen if some of their current crop ask to move on.

Jude Bellingham is Liverpool's number one target for the summer of 2023 (Getty Images)

He said: “Nobody came to me and asked to leave the club. If that should be the case, then I would listen, but nobody came yet.”

Liverpool are keeping an eye on midfielders, with evolution needed in the summer when James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita's contracts expire. Jude Bellingham is their primary target for the position, but he won’t come cheaply from Borussia Dortmund.

The Reds have reportedly set aside £86m to sign the England international, but that might not be enough to satisfy Dortmund and beat off the competition. The 19-year-old is under contract with the German club until June 2025.

Felix Keith