A former Liverpool target could make his long-awaited arrival at Anfield this summer
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 21: Head Coaches Jurgen Klopp of Liverpool (L) and Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth greet each other before the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at Vitality Stadium on January 21, 2024 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola could welcome one of Jurgen Klopp's former targets at Anfield this summer(Image: Getty Images)
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Liverpool could secure Leon Goretzka on a free transfer this summer - nearly a decade after Jurgen Klopp tried to orchestrate the German's move to Anfield. The 31-year-old officially left Bayern Munich on Tuesday following the expiration of his contract, bringing the curtain down on his eight-year spell with the Bundesliga giants.
The Reds have already wrapped up the capture of Spain international Victor Munoz under Andoni Iraola, who may seek to bolster his midfield options as he aims to overhaul his squad's approach to the game.
The Germany international - who featured in the four-time world champions' World Cup exit on Monday - will now be concentrating on securing his next destination ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Goretzka's switch to Bayern in 2018 from Schalke also arrived via a free transfer as the then 23-year-old was simultaneously being pursued by Klopp, who was managing the Reds at that point.
The former Liverpool manager was thoroughly familiar with Goretzka's abilities, having come up against him in the German top flight during his time at Borussia Dortmund. Yet Klopp's pursuit proved insufficient to fend off Bayern's advances, despite the midfielder previously acknowledging that "consideration" was given to potentially relocating to Merseyside.
Leon Goretzka of Germany during the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32 match between Germany and Paraguay
Leon Goretzka is now a free agent(Image: Getty Images)
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Speaking to The Athletic in 2020, Goretzka disclosed his admiration for Klopp and his stewardship of Liverpool, while insisting he had absolutely no reservations about joining the German giants. He said: "They were a consideration, of course.
"They're a great club, and their development since Kloppo came has been amazing. We're all a little proud of him winning the title. But I took a long time making my decision, and I was 100 per cent sure that Bayern was the right move for me."
Goretzka claimed 17 major honours during his eight seasons at the club, including six Bundesliga titles and one Champions League trophy. His remarkable trophy haul at club level has not been mirrored on the international stage, with Germany failing to progress beyond the round of 32 in the last three World Cup tournaments.
Andoni Iraola celebrates
Andoni Iraola has already secured one new signing at Anfield(Image: Getty Images)
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Julian Naglesmann has faced fierce criticism following his side's early exit, with The Telegraph reporting that Klopp is receptive to succeeding his compatriot should the German FA (DFB) terminate his contract, which runs until 2028.
However, the report notes that any deal bringing Klopp back into management would necessitate concessions from the DFB. It suggests that Klopp - currently serving as Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull - would be unlikely to dedicate his weekends to attending stadiums to scout players at club level.