Liverpool has ‘game-changer’ like Jude Bellingham for $98m less who can explode for Jürgen Klopp

Liverpool has ‘game-changer’ like Jude Bellingham for $98m less who can explode for Jürgen Klopp

It took longer than expected, but Liverpool is being proved right in its ‘game-changer’ analysis. Jude Bellingham is thriving but Jürgen Klopp signed alternatives.

SHARE

ByJames MartinLiverpool Writer
Bookmark

Ryan Gravenberch before Liverpool beat Nottingham Forest in October. (Image: Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Liverpool will look back at the summer of 2023 as a pivotal one in a few years. The early signs are that it was a good one. In Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch, it picked up some key parts of its future.

And that was all after a move for Jude Bellingham became unfeasible. The Real Madrid superstar was a target for a long time, but it became apparent last season that wholesale changes were needed, and the transfer focus ultimately had to be on assembling a brand-new midfield unit at Anfield.

That meant a generational talent slipping away, even if he might have picked Real Madrid regardless. In other circumstances, Liverpool would still be reeling; Bellingham has certainly done nothing to help matters, somehow finding even more levels in his early months in Spain.

READ MORE: Xabi Alonso truth clear for Liverpool as Real Madrid ‘chooses Carlo Ancelotti replacement’

READ MORE: Alexis Mac Allister explains Darwin Núñez and Pep Guardiola argument after Man City vs Liverpool

But as Jürgen Klopp’s side continues to head in the right direction, seemingly having already done enough to suggest that this stay in the Europa League will be a short one, thoughts are now a long way from Bellingham. That’s because Liverpool will surely feel increasingly as though it has got the better deal.

First and foremost, Bellingham alone could not have brought Klopp the depth he has now. He has rotated heavily this season and will reap the benefits of that moving forward. But it’s not only that. Despite missing out on Bellingham, it looks increasingly like Liverpool did not have to sacrifice that ‘starboy’ quality.

Ryan Gravenberch has not found starts too easy to come by just yet, a mark of the holistic effectiveness of Klopp’s rebuild. But as he finds his feet, he looks more special with every passing week.

The club will be delighted with just how well he has done in spells, especially after his progress had stalled for a year at Bayern Munich, but it will not be a massive surprise. After all, per Melissa Reddy, he had been marked as a potential ‘game-changer’ alongside Bellingham and Aurélien Tchouaméni in the summer of 2022.

Clearly, Gravenberch is not on par with Bellingham just yet. But you can absolutely see why Liverpool considered he had a similarly high ceiling — this is a player with very limited football over the past year, but he is starting to really dominate on the pitch.

Having impressed against Everton, Manchester City and many more, Gravenberch has the unerring quality of making football look easy. He is so graceful when he receives the ball, and can take opponents out of the game with the deftest of touches. Once he gets facing the right way, he drives the side forward.

He’s got the potential for goals at the end of it, too. In other words, he could become the complete package, much like Bellingham already has. It seems like Liverpool will ultimately have to empower his talents in the way that Real Madrid has done with Bellingham. When that happens, the pair could even be talked about in a similar bracket.

But even if that does not quite happen, this is a player Liverpool got for $41m (£34m/€39m). It’s some $98m less than Real Madrid forked out for the ex-Birmingham man.

Picking up on an underappreciated asset, this is a true return to ‘Moneyball’ for Liverpool. It’s a transfer that already looks like it will pay massive dividends for years to come. The club has eventually got its ‘game-changer’ — and with Szoboszlai on board too, it might even have got two for less than the price of Bellingham.

An original version of this article was first published on October 26.

Follow Liverpool.com
Facebook
Twitter
MORE ON
Liverpool FCJude BellinghamRyan Gravenberch
LIVERPOOL FC NEWS
ALL
TOP STORIES
Liverpool has ‘game-changer’ like Jude Bellingham for $98m less who can explode for Jürgen Klopp
LIVERPOOL FC
Liverpool ‘wants transfer more talented than Cristiano Ronaldo’ as midfielder suffers new injury
FOOTBALL BLOG
Kylian Mbappé proven right as Liverpool reality ignored and Man City decision set
FOOTBALL BLOG
Every Liverpool player available for Fulham as five out and Jürgen Klopp squad set to be tested
LIVERPOOL FC
Mohamed Salah does not need Lionel Messi training ‘rule’ at Liverpool and Jürgen Klopp knows why
LIVERPOOL FC
Luis Díaz has secret Liverpool weapon even better than Diogo Jota and Sadio Mané would be proud
LIVERPOOL FC
Liverpool has an unexpectedly creative partnership and Jürgen Klopp could soon start duo
LIVERPOOL FC
Best five Liverpool strikers ranked by AI as Mohamed Salah overlooked
LIVERPOOL FC
Liverpool 2.0 will not be built on Man City rejects as FSG transfer advantage clear now
LIVERPOOL FC
Jordan Henderson forgotten, injury-struggler a new fan favorite – Liverpool departures revisited
LIVERPOOL FC
‘Blistering’ – Joe Cole left stunned by Liverpool ace now set for bigger role under Jürgen Klopp
LIVERPOOL FC
Liverpool settles urgent contract question as 14-goal marksman ‘wants Anfield’ and $85k windfall
FOOTBALL BLOG
LIVERPOOL FC NEWS
TRANSFER NEWS
SCHEDULE
FEATURES
PREMIER LEAGUE
FOLLOW US
About Us
Contact Us
RSS Feeds
Newsletter Signup
Syndication & Licensing
T&Cs
Cookie Policy
Competition Rules
How to Complain
Corrections & Clarifications
Privacy Notice
Do not sell or share my data
© 2023 a Reach plc subsidiary

TRANSFER NEWS
PREMIER LEAGUE
EXCLUSIVES
COLUMNISTS
“Cannot be ruled out” – Bayern Munich star linked with a stunning move to Liverpool, Klopp knows his strengths
LIVERPOOL FC
Posted by Mehdi Gokal6 hours ago

Facebook
WhatsApp
Twitter
Reddit
Email
Share
Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich is attracting interest from a number of top clubs and an exit cannot be ruled out.

That is according to journalist Christian Falk who has claimed that Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel has questioned the player’s position as a number 6.

Falk claims that Barcelona are ‘very interested’ in signing the player while Pep Guardiola is a huge fan of him having been the one to discover and promote him to the Bayern Munich team.

He adds that Jurgen Klopp is also interested in him and knows his strengths that would suit his style of play at Liverpool.

Christian Falk wrote in the Daily Briefing Fact Files:

“It cannot be ruled out that FC Bayern and Kimmich part ways.”

“His contract only runs until 2025. Like Nagelsmann, Thomas Tuchel has also questioned the player. Both coaches do not see Kimmich as a “holding Six”.

“FC Barcelona is very interested in Kimmich. If he comes onto the market next summer, some clubs in the Premier League will also look at him. Pep Guardiola is considered a big fan of Kimmich after having initially discovered and promoted him in Munich. The City coach appreciates Kimmich’s versatility as he can play in many positions.

“But Jurgen Klopp also knows Kimmich’s strengths, which would suit Liverpool FC well. The poker for Kimmich could soon be open.”

Kimmich to Liverpool?
More Stories / Latest News

“Could be a late contender ” – 26-year-old could make the bench for Tottenham against Manchester City
7 hours ago

West Ham forward unsure if he wants to stay or leave in January
7 hours ago

“Games aren’t played on paper” – Gareth Southgate issues warning after Euro 2024 draw
7 hours ago
Liverpool underwent a midfield rebuild in the summer bringing in Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endo.

They have made an instant impact and have proven to be substantial improvements over players like Jordan Henderson and James Milner, helping them to a terrific start to the season.

However, they still need a top class defensive midfielder in the team, having sold Fabinho to Saudi in the summer.

And Kimmich would be a brilliant signing for Liverpool. Not only can he play in the midfield but can also prove to be a decent cover for Trent at right-back.

Facebook
WhatsApp
Twitter
Reddit
Email
Share
More Stories Joshua Kimmich
Leave a Reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment

Name *

Email *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Football News 24/7

Related Stories

Christian Falk’s Fact Files – Liverpool vs Man City for Joshua Kimmich? SHOCK Werner transfer? & more
1 day agoLIVERPOOL FC

Liverpool could battle Man City for Bayern stalwart amid souring relationship with Tuchel
1 day agoLIVERPOOL FC

“Both incredible players” – Arsenal legend would love to see Gunners sign Bayern Munich duo
2 weeks agoARSENAL FC

Manchester City hopeful of winning race for major signing for 2024
1 month agoMANCHESTER CITY

Out of favour Arsenal ace of interest to Barcelona
1 month agoARSENAL FC

Liverpool and Manchester United linked with 28-year-old Bundesliga star
4 months agoLIVERPOOL FC

Exclusive: Chelsea transfer battle is the one to watch and Man City star should move
4 months agoLIVERPOOL FC

Agent’s column: Arsenal and Spurs’ brilliant window, Levy’s difficult Kane decision, TNT Sports have gone too far and Jordan Henderson’s genuine reason for Saudi move
4 months agoLIVERPOOL FC

Liverpool monitoring world-class Bayern Munich star as German club could sell to fund Harry Kane move
4 months agoLIVERPOOL FC

Arsenal given opportunity to seal the transfer of ideal Thomas Partey replacement
4 months agoARSENAL FC
© 2023 CaughtOffside
About CaughtOffside
Contact Us
Our Writers
Write For Us
Terms Of Service
Privacy Policy, Cookies & Advertising

Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
LIVERPOOL
HOME
LIVERPOOL
Liverpool remain in mix to sign ‘exceptional’ £35m Serie A midfielder

Lee Connor
Sat 2 December 2023 18:15, UK
Liverpool are still one of the clubs in the mix when it comes to trying to sign Napoli midfielder, Piotr Zielinski.

Polish midfielder Zielinski has long been on the radar of Liverpool and reports in the summer suggested the Reds were looking to sign him then as well.

The Napoli star has been a key figure for the Italian side over a number of years. He played a key role in them winning the Scudetto and has made well over 300 appearances for the Naples club.

However, with his contract up in 2024, Calciomercato reports he could be on the move soon, with Liverpool once again in the conversation.

Liverpool remain keen on signing Piotr Zielinski
According to Calciomercato, Zielinski has a number of clubs looking into if they can sign him.

Juventus and Inter Milan are among them in Italy, while it’s Liverpool and the admiration of Jurgen Klopp that gets him the interest from England.

Photo by Ivan Romano/Getty Images
Indeed, past reports have suggested Klopp has a good relationship with Zielinski’s agent and that could well hold some sway in conversations.

MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
The ‘exceptional‘ midfielder is a bit on the older side of the scale at 29. But in terms of experience and quality, he is everything Jurgen Klopp likes in a midfield player.

Maybe a few seasons too late
Zielinski is a name that seems to crop up over and over again in transfer windows. His links to Liverpool are nothing brand new and it’s no surprise to see the Reds linked again.

However, it could have come just a season or two too late now.

There was a time when Liverpool were desperate for new midfielders and Zielinski would have been ideal.

But with the new signings this summer lowering the age profile of the Reds’ squad, it could be hard for Klopp to justify this one to the board.

Still, on a free, he is a fine player and one who would add yet more depth at Anfield.

Related Topics
PIOTR ZIELINSKI
RELATED POSTS
MORE IN LIVERPOOL
More in Liverpool

ABOUT US
EDITORIAL POLICY
CONTACT US
PRIVACY POLICY
AUTHORS
COMPLAINTS
PRIVACY SETTINGS
a proud member of

© 2023 GRV Media Ltd. All Rights Reserved
GRV Media Ltd, 18 Mulberry Avenue, Widnes,
Cheshire, WA8 0WN
Company No. 04155089

liverpoolechoLoad mobile navigation

What Pep Guardiola said exactly to anger Darwin Nunez after Liverpool draw
Alexis Mac Allister has revealed what caused Darwin Nunez’s altercation with Pep Guardiola after Liverpool’s draw with Man City

SHARE
ByTheo SquiresLiverpool FC Writer
Bookmark

Darwin Nunez is calmed down by Jurgen Klopp

Alexis Mac Allister has revealed the cause of Darwin Nunez’s fight with Pep Guardiola after Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City last weekend.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s late equaliser cancelled out Erling Haaland’s opener to earn the Reds a share of the spoils at the Etihad. But Liverpool striker Nunez made headlines after the final whistle after he was involved in a heated altercation with the City boss.

Both Jurgen Klopp, who would hold Nunez back and attempt to defuse the situation, and Guardiola played down the incident in their post-match press conferences, with neither divulging what had been the cause of the spat.

READ MORE: Henderson reputation destroyed and Keita injured again but forgotten Liverpool man quietly becomes huge star

READ MORE: Alexis Mac Allister has just hinted at Jurgen Klopp original plan for Liverpool before summer exits

But Mac Allister, who was amused by the exchange at the time before aiding Klopp, Adrian and Curtis Jones in trying to calm Nunez down at the time, has revealed how Guardiola’s reaction to a late miss from Haaland ultimately triggered the dispute.

“I imagine Jurgen didn’t understand anything (that was said) after the game,” the Reds midfielder told Clank! when asked what had angered Nunez. “He asked me what I was saying to him, but it was nothing. It was something very minimal.

“As Jurgen said, they are two very emotional people, both Pep and Darwin, and it was nothing. Some comment that Pep made, Darwin responded to it, but it wasn’t anything out of this world.

“And that’s why I was laughing too. If I see how serious it is, obviously I wouldn’t laugh in that way. But nothing made me laugh a little like how Darwin got angry so quickly.

“And apart from that, at the beginning, Pep thought he was doing everything like a joke, and of course Darwin was with him. It had transformed his face a little then.

“It was kind of a little funny, the whole situation, but those are things that stay there. I think they both respect each other a lot, and nothing was wrong at that moment.”

Mac Allister continued: “Yes (Darwin took it seriously and Pep saw it more as a joke). I don’t know if I should tell it but I’m going to tell you (what caused it). Basically, they had a situation.

“I don’t know if it was a corner or a cross that Haaland headed and the ball went past the goal next to the post. Pep turned around and started saying how lucky we are or something like that.

“Then it goes to the last bit of play, the ball is crossed into the middle and Lucho Diaz wants to head it and they save it. So then Darwin tells him (Guardiola), ‘ah, now you are the ones who are lucky’.

“From there, everything went to s**t. But it was very calm. Nothing serious.”

Follow Liverpool Echo
Facebook
Twitter
Comment
MORE ON
Liverpool FCDarwin NunezPep GuardiolaManchester City FC
SPORT
ALL
TOP STORIES
Terrified neighbours ‘screamed down the phone’ after house exploded
MERSEYSIDE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE
Liverpool needs its nightlife to thrive but ‘town has never been this bad’
CLUBS
The city Liverpool can learn from when it comes to public transport
TRANSPORT
Live-event
Nottingham Forest vs Everton LIVE – score, goals and commentary stream
EVERTON FC
What Pep Guardiola said exactly to anger Darwin Nunez after Liverpool draw
LIVERPOOL FC
Everton points deduction LIVE – Premier League appeal, Andy Burnham letter, Calvert-Lewin injury news
EVERTON FC
Live-event
Liverpool transfer news LIVE – Joshua Kimmich linked, Jorg Schmadtke suggestion, Assan Ouedraogo claim
LIVERPOOL FC
‘Coffee snob’ mum’s vintage café people travel miles to visit
LIVERPOOL RESTAURANTS
I held Liverpool’s biggest croissant like it was my own child
LIVERPOOL RESTAURANTS
Girl, 8, leaves rescue staff speechless as urgent plea issued
SEFTON
Police issue warning to every driver in Liverpool after death of ‘amazing’ schoolgirl
CRIME
Schoolboy given day to remember after going through ‘so much’
ST HELENS
NEWS
WHAT’S ON
SPORT
IN YOUR AREA
LIVERPOOL FC
EVERTON FC
CELEBS
BUSINESS
FOLLOW US
InYourArea
MemoryLane
Discount Codes
Beauty Box Subscription
Marketplace
Our RSS feeds
Contact Us
About Us
Work for us
Advertise with us
Public Notices
Mirror Bingo
Buy a photo
How to Complain
Corrections & Clarifications
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Notice
Cookie Notice
Newsletters Signup
Syndication & Licensing
Do not sell or share my data
© 2023 a Reach plc subsidiary