18 July 2023 , 12:01
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Jurgen Klopp has been given the opportunity to make a statement transfer with the signing of Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich.
Kimmich, 28, has been one of European football's most highly regarded midfielders in recent years, shining for the German giants since initially emerging under Pep Guardiola's tutelage. He was a key component in Bayern's Champions League triumph in 2020 and their Bundesliga domination of recent times.
But Kimmich's future has been thrown into doubt at the Allianz Arena amid a major restructuring effort above the head of current boss Thomas Tuchel.
And that could see the Germany international, has has captained the Bavarians' in the absence of Manuel Neuer, is a leader in the dressing room and has long been seen as a future club captain, pushed out of the Sabener Strasse exit door.
According to Kicker, Bayern are willing to listen to substantial offers for the 28-year-old, who has just two years left on his contract.
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That news has put Premier League clubs on red alert, with Liverpool emerging as a potential suitor. Klopp is reshaping his midfield this summer, having already welcomed Alexis MacAllister and Dominik Szoboszlai for a combined £105million, but the Reds are in need of a more defensive-minded addition.
With long-time linchpin Fabinho set to join Saudi Arabian champions Al-Ittihad in a £40million deal and Jordan H enderson also keen on a move to the Middle East, Klopp is seeking a new anchorman for his midfield - and his compatriot ticks all the boxes.
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Jurgen Klopp wants more signings (Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))
The Kop boss is known to be a big fan of Kimmich, while the player would offer Liverpool elite pedigree and experience at the base of their midfield.
Liverpool are looking at a range of midfielders to potentially replace Fabinho and Henderson, including Southampton's Romeo Lavia and Fiorentina ace Sofyan Amrabat. But Kimmich, if available, may well jump right to the top of Klopp's list.
However, he wouldn't be the only suitor delighted to bring Kimmich to the Premier League - Manchester City boss Guardiola would only be too happy for a reunion with one of his former charges.
City have previously been credited with holding an interest in Kimmich, and having missed out on the signing of Declan Rice to Arsenal as well as losing Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer, are known to be in the market for midfield reinforcements.
Guardiola infamously took Kimmich to task after a match against Borussia Dortmund during the 2015-16 season and declared to press afterwards: "He's got absolutely everything." Reuniting at the Etihad would certainly fix his midfield worries.
LaLiga giants Barcelona have already expressed their interest publicly too. Manager Xavi Hernandez recently described the Germany international as a "super top player" and confirmed that he'd be interested in working with him, but Barca's financial problems appear to make a big-money move a non-starter.
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