Jurgen Klopp often proved to be something of a secret weapon while he was in charge of Liverpool’s transfer strategy.
Footballers always want to work with the best in the business and in Klopp, the Reds had someone who any player would have been delighted to call their boss.
Not only was the German a terrific manager, he is also a magnetic and empathetic human being. Liverpool were lucky to have him.
For those in the Liverpool squad fortunate enough to play under him, Klopp became a kind of father figure.
Although he is no longer taking hands-on control of a football club, the 57-year-old seems like he has taken those same qualities into his new role with Red Bull.
That’s judging by a tale told from Liverpool target Yan Diomande, who has hailed Klopp’s welcome after he joined RB Leipzig this summer. As Rousing The Kop revealed on Thursday, Liverpool are keen on Diomande, and it sounds like their former manager has already won him over.
Jurgen Klopp called to welcome Yan Diomande
After a blistering start to life in Germany, it is no surprise that Diomande has caught Liverpool’s eye.
Leipzig paid around £18m to sign the 19-year-old after he had played only 10 senior games with Spanish side Leganes.
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Given his job as the Global Head of Soccer for Red Bull, there is a chance that Klopp had something to do with Diomande’s arrival in the Bundesliga.
Whether that was the case or not, the former Liverpool manager was certainly keen to make his presence felt as soon as the teenaged talent joined. As soon as he was through the door, Klopp rang his phone.
“I couldn’t believe it at first,” Diomande told Sport BILD in October. “I’ve admired Klopp since his time in Liverpool. He’s a great person, and suddenly on my first day here, he tried to call me.
“I hope he wasn’t upset that I missed answering at first! But luckily, it worked out after that.”
Could Klopp help Liverpool with Diomande?
While Klopp was in charge at Liverpool the Reds did several pieces of big business with Leipzig – and also their sister club Salzburg.
Naby Keita, Ibrahima Konate and Dominik Szoboszlai arrived for a combined fee of almost £150m, while Takumi Minamino joined from the Austrian club.
Are you excited by Yan Diomande links to Liverpool?
As a result, Liverpool appear to have a very healthy relationship with Red Bull, and Klopp’s arrival will only strengthen that.
Clearly, Leipzig will not want to be losing their best players – and Diomande is quickly becoming one of those – but as those previous sales show, they will move them on if their demands are met.
If Diomande is up for sale in the near future, then Klopp’s presence in his life may just give Liverpool the edge they need.
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