Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has new Ilkay Gundogan, big transfer ‘done’ already 

Jurgen Klopp and Ilkay Gundogan worked together at Borussia Dortmund and the Liverpool manager may have just brought the next best thing to Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp may be set to welcome a new Ilkay Gundogan to Anfield amid reports that Alexis Mac Allister has agreed to sign for Liverpool this summer. In working with the outgoing Brighton star, Klopp will hope to rediscover the kind of relationship that he enjoyed with Gundogan at Borussia Dortmund, where the pair win a Bundesliga title.

The two are not only similar in stature, with Mac Allister only two inches shorter than Gundogan and comparable in stature, but also in the way they like to move forward and engage in attacks. Both players are among the most prolific goalscorers among central midfielders in Europe’s five major leagues, each averaging more than two per 90 minutes played.

Mac Allister and Gundogan are also ranked highly in terms of their pass completion rate and the number of touches they take in the opposition penalty area, but there are several areas in which each player has developed a niche of their own.

One thing Klopp will hope Mac Allister adds to his game is assists. The 24-year-old has only notched two in the Premier League this season – an underwhelming figure for an all-round midfielder, and Gundogan is streets ahead in that department.

But the Reds can take huge encouragement from an attribute that Mac Allister has and Gundogan does not – tackling. The City star tends to leave it to his defensive-minded team-mates, such as Rodri or John Stones, whereas his Seagulls counterpart takes matters into his own hands, which should give Klopp’s side added steel in the middle of the park.

Landing Mac Allister would therefore be an exciting proposition for the Anfield faithful, and the fact that they are reportedly set to pip Chelsea to the Argentine’s signature will only make the deal that much sweeter.

Also.. 

“NO KLOPP SIGNING”: Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp responds to Liverpool rumoures

Jurgen Klopp has responded to rumors that Liverpool have named Jorg Schmadtke as their new sporting director.

The German coach’s response was relayed by Fabrizio Romano, who acknowledged the speculation ahead of his team’s match against Aston Villa.

While Liverpool fans are hoping a deal to sign Jorg Schmadtke is sealed, Jurgen Klopp has spoken out about his possible arrival.
What Jürgen Klopp had to say about Liverpool-affiliated director Jorg Schmadtke

The 59-year-old was sporting director at three Bundesliga clubs such as Hannover 96, VFL Wolfsburg and FC Köln Most.

Schmadtke is known for making some smart buys at bargain prices like Lars Stindl and Wout Weghorst to name a few. With Jörg Schmadtke being linked with becoming Liverpool’s next sporting director following the departure of Julian Ward, Jurgen Klopp has acknowledged the speculation.

“If that happens, it wouldn’t be a ‘Jürgen Klopp’ commitment because we’re both German or know each other. I’ve known him for a long time. He’s a good guy, a smart guy. Good personality , good mood.

It looks like the Reds have already reached the deal to appoint Jörg Schmadtke

Liverpool fans are bound to be in a frenzy as Jurgen Klopp seems to clearly imply that the deal to sign Jörg Schmadtke is nearing completion. Following the departure of Julian Ward after a short spell at the club, many were concerned about what was going on behind the scenes at Anfield.
Apart from that, it’s exciting to see Jorg Schmadtke join the Reds, especially ahead of a summer where their recruitment needs to be near-perfect if they have any ambition to return to the top.
Schmadtke’s eye for business could come in handy as the Merseyside-based club need reinforcements in more areas of the pitch, rather than going to school to sign a superstar.