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Jurgen Klopp was proved right by Cristiano Ronaldo decision after refusing to copy Man Utd

Jurgen Klopp wasn't one to splash unnecessary amounts of cash during his illustrious stint as Liverpool manager, opting to bring in players for the future who would hold a certain resale value

Jurgen Klopp celebrates

Jurgen Klopp was sensible in his spending(Image: Getty Images)

Jurgen Klopp was seemingly right in the way that he did business at Liverpool, bringing in players he felt fit for the team's long-term future rather than splurging on primed players who would only benefit for so long. The German mastermind will go down in the history books as one of Anfield's greatest-ever managers, orchestrating a Premier League title, a Champions League crown and a coveted FA Cup for the Reds during his nine-year reign.

And while his man-management, tactical organisation and relentless work ethic were imperative to the club's success between 2015 and 2024, the way he carried himself during transfer windows also had a huge impact. And in the summer of 2021, the 58-year-old offered slight insights into his preferences when scouting players to recruit as part of his set-up.

At the time, it was heavily speculated that Cristiano Ronaldo was set for a return to the Premier League, albeit playing for the sky blue of Manchester City rather than the club he made a legend of himself at in Manchester United. During the saga, Klopp pinpointed exactly why he would steer clear of spending such a substantial amount of money on a player who had already hit their prime - given that Ronaldo was 36 at the time - instead, sharing that he preferred to plan for the future with his signings.

When quizzed about Ronaldo by German media at the time, he said: "I watch that like a football supporter actually. I have no more knowledge about it, you probably have much more knowledge about it, if it will happen or not, than I have.

"It’s not about me to judge that. It’s about if other clubs can do things like this, it’s obviously not business for the future. In three or four years we will have the benefit of that, it’s for now and immediately if that happens.

"That is how some clubs are obviously working and that is absolutely fine, but there must be different ways. There must be a team a year later and two years later, for us at least. And three years later as well.

"You need success. We felt that if you can win trophies it is great but it’s not, even with the best squad in the world, possible every year. If that’s not possible, you still need to make sure you develop as a team and a club.

Cristiano Ronaldo stands with his hands on his hips

Ronaldo was 36 when he returned to Manchester United

"That’s what we did and that’s what we do. Anything else is really not in our hands. We watch it like all of you and will see what happens."

Of course, Pep Guardiola actually had no interest in signing the Portuguese forward, and he instead returned to Old Trafford in the summer of 2021 in a £12.8million move from Juventus. However, Ronaldo only lasted at the club for a year before his contract was terminated by mutual consent, and he joined Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr in 2023.

Klopp's philosophy evidently paid off for the Reds in the long run, given that many players he signed during his early years at the club remain as a stable part of the Liverpool team headed into 2025/26. For example, Klopp spent £43.9m on a 25-year-old Mohamed Salah from Roma back in 2017 - a man who finished as the Premier League's top goal-scorer this season.

Other notable names that remain a part of Liverpool's set-up at present who Klopp recruited include the likes of Andy Robertson, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, Harvey Elliott and Diogo Jota. And it appears as though Arne Slot is emulating Klopp's way of doing business.

Arne Slot smiles

Arne Slot has been wise with his signings(Image: PA)

The Dutchman, who has just enjoyed a Premier League-winning first season with Liverpool has wasted no time in making adjustments to his squad in the current transfer window. Amid the departure of first-choice right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Slot wasted no time in securing the services of Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong in a £29.5m move.

At just 24, the versatile star only looks to be getting better and better, and given he's under contract until 2028, Liverpool know that they have a reliable player who they can depend on for the next three seasons. Meanwhile, Liverpool shattered their club-record transfer fee by also acquiring Florian Wirtz from Leverkusen earlier this month, in a deal thought to be worth up to around £116m.

The German international is only 22 at present, and given that the deal is thought to run until 2030, it means that Liverpool will potentially benefit from the best years of the talent's career. And should a European giant like Barcelona, Real Madrid or PSG come knocking in the years to come, it also means that Liverpool could see an incredible return on their investment - should they wish to sell him.

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