Jurgen Klopp says it isn’t ‘our year’ to sign a player like Philippe Coutinho. There may be long-term reasons to be excited, however.
“In general, Phil Coutinho helps each team in the world, still – 100%,” Klopp told ESPN.
“It’s not about that. I like Phil, I think he’s a fantastic footballer and all that stuff, but it would be a big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big-money signing and it’s not our year for that.”
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‘It’s not our year for that’ is an interesting turn of phrase. Now, admittedly, with Liverpool’s transfer window being so dull, it’s easy to read into things.
Klopp could simply be pointing out that last year was the year for that. The Reds spent on Alisson, Fabinho, Xherdan Shaqiri, and Naby Keita in what was their costliest window ever.
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But then, perhaps it’s a suggestion that a year like that could be coming? It’s something we’ve suggested before.
Liverpool’s lack of movement really does leave next year’s window wide open. They’d have more cash and a better idea of who is surplus to requirements.
With so many players returning from injury or loans, it’s difficult to know exactly where the gaps are in the European champions’ side.
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Next year doesn’t necessarily mean Coutinho is rejoining Klopp and co – it could be anyone. The Brazilian was always going to be at the top of the ‘who can we link Liverpool to’ list but he isn’t necessarily the best fit.
The Reds could go even bigger next summer, providing they support it with another successful season.
This may not be the year for a big (repeat eight times)- money signing, but 2020 really could be. And perhaps Klopp knows that.