Liverpool owner FSG have created a potential increase in the transfer budget as Jurgen Klopp must best use of opportunity

Liverpool have already secured Jürgen Klopp a transfer boost in two possible ways and the manager now has to make a decision on a midfielder

Liverpool may not have improved in many areas this season, but the loan policy has certainly brought more benefits than in previous years. While previously appearing to be a somewhat piecemeal strategy, loan deals have become more focused and have increased in volume under Julian Ward’s tenure.

And with the growing number of players on loan so has the quality of the loan deals. For the first time in years, Liverpool have not one but several outstanding loanees, such as Conor Bradley at Bolton Wanderers and Tyler Morton at Blackburn Rovers.

Another to go that route is Leighton Clarkson, who is on loan at Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership. A historic club, Aberdeen have recently built a reputation as a stepping stone for players who want to reach higher levels.

Last season alone, Aberdeen sold two of their main stars: Calvin Ramsay to none other than Liverpool and Lewis Ferguson to Bologna in Serie A. Meanwhile, former club defender Scott McKenna is a fixture at Nottingham Forest in this season. 

With such a reputation, it is perhaps all the more impressive that Clarkson has been pulling the strings since arriving in Aberdeen last summer. The diminutive central midfielder established himself as a team regular and thrived, scoring 12 goals in 32 games from midfield and playing in a variety of roles in the center of the park.

Quite a flexible midfielder, Clarkson was always able to score plenty of goals from midfield when he was in the academy, and this was noticed early on by Jürgen Klopp, when the manager made Clarkson’s debut aged just 18. In total, Clarkson has made just three appearances for the club’s first team, but that too is impressive as his breakthrough coincided with Liverpool’s all-time high.

Last season, a botched loan spell at Blackburn Rovers – where many had hoped he would follow the path of Harvey Elliott – appeared to be slowing his development, but he shows no sign of it at Aberdeen.

At 21, Clarkson is still relatively young and with Klopp needing to rejuvenate his midfield options with home-grown players, he could perhaps even be considered a select option next season if he hits the mark in pre-season.

Also

In response to Liverpool’s reduced interest in Jude Bellingham, Harry Redknapp provided his perspective to the ECHO at Aintree.

Jude Bellingham is reportedly headed to Real Madrid, according to Harry Redknapp, who said he had “heard” this after Liverpool gave up on trying to sign the England player.

Bellingham, a 19-year-old midfielder for Borussia Dortmund, was widely thought to be a priority target for the Reds this summer. But earlier this week, it was revealed that the club will now pursue multiple additions in the upcoming window rather than spending the majority of the funds on a single superstar.

Father of former Liverpool player Jamie Redknapp, Redknapp is in Aintree today to support one of his horses competing in the Grand National. Before the big race at 5.15 o’clock, Back On The Lash has received a lot of support; the current odds are around 22/1.

He was already known as Back On The Lash when I got him, Redknapp remarked in an interview with Ryan Paton of the ECHO this afternoon. I’m hoping he’ll be okay [at the Grand National]. I truly hope he runs well, but he requires rather firm terrain.

“Shakem Up’Arry is one of three racers I have entered in the race before. When I was a manager at West Ham, I used to have a guy stand behind me and for 90 minutes, he would yell at me, “Shake them up Harry!” As a result, I named this horse Shakem Up’Arry.

When questioned about his passion for the area and its teams, Redknapp responded, “I love Liverpool. I cherish Anfield. I used to enjoy visiting Anfield. There is nowhere else in the world like it in terms of the mood and the fans singing You’ll Never Walk Alone.

The 76-year-old continued, “Some [Liverpool] players simply haven’t played to the levels we’re used to seeing them perform. They have an excellent team and manager. However, they are no longer up to the standards they formerly were. At the end of the season, Jurgen [Klopp] will undoubtedly have a look at it, and they’ll add some players to strengthen again for the following campaign.

“Everton is now working hard despite their difficulties. Sean [Dyche] should continue them, I hope. He has a lot of time.”

Redknapp also commented on Liverpool’s decision to lessen their interest in Bellingham, saying: “I’ve heard, but I’m not sure if I’m correct, that he wants to move to Real Madrid.

It’s challenging…amazing club once more. Spanish lifestyle is good. At least, that’s what I’ve heard.

Redknapp spent more than 30 years in professional management after his playing days as a midfielder, including time spent at Portsmouth, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, among other teams.

Adam Wedge will ride Martin Keighley’s trained horse Back On The Lash in the Grand National later on in the day.