Jurgen Klopp suggests Liverpool dodged a bullet by missing out on Moises Caicedo’s summer signing and opting for Wataru Endo instead.
Liverpool and Chelsea engaged in a transfer battle for Caicedo, who eventually joined the Blues for a record £115m. Klopp, speaking at Anfield, expresses relief, saying Liverpool was fortunate in the transfer market.
He acknowledges uncertainties and reveals Liverpool found Endo, whom he praises as an outstanding player.
“The summer we had a few strange things happen in the transfer market but here, between us, I can say, ‘My god, were we lucky, eh?'” said Klopp.
“We didn’t know that in that moment and it didn’t feel like it in that moment, but yeah, I’m really happy that it worked out, but you never know before.
“We obviously realised that other central defensive midfielders don’t want to join Liverpool, you see what happens, and then we found [Wataru] Endo. He’s an exceptional player.”
Despite missing out on Caicedo, Liverpool secured the signings of four central midfielders in the summer, spending nearly £150m to revamp the area.
The additions of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Wataru Endo, recruited immediately after Caicedo’s move to Chelsea, have contributed to Liverpool’s lead in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Chelsea, led by Caicedo, has faced struggles, with the midfielder’s inconsistent performances contributing to the team’s 12th place and seven losses in the 2023/24 season.
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