Liverpool transfer talk from Germany places Jurgen Klopp at he centre of discussions over the next major move this summer
Harvey Elliott of Liverpool is embraced by Jurgen Klopp
Harvey Elliott and former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
According to a report from Germany, Jurgen Klopp has stepped in to drive RB Leipzig's transfer push for Harvey Elliott. This comes over a year after the 58-year-old's departure as Liverpool manager when he said his biggest regret was about the midfielder.
Elliott made 28 appearances in all competitions under Arne Slot last season though only averaged 29 minutes per outing and his first Premier League start was only handed out after the title had been mathematically won at the end of April. As a result there has been much speculation over a move, something the 22-year-old has openly addressed, saying he has been left to weigh up a 'selfish' decision, even if it would be his dream to continue at Anfield.
Now The Athletic state that the Liverpool midfielder is subject of interest from Leipzig with first contact made for what could end up as a transfer in the region of £40m to £50m.
Expanding on these reports, German outlet BILD explains how it is Klopp who has joined Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schafer to drive these talks over Elliott.
Liverpool supporters will be aware that after the coach ended his nine-year stint at Anfield last year, he has since started a new role as the Red Bull organisation's global head of soccer. An official job description provided at the time read: "In his strategic role, Jurgen Klopp will not be involved in the clubs' day-to-day operations but will focus on supporting the sports directors in advancing the Red Bull philosophy. He will also leverage his extensive network to aid in scouting top talent and contribute to the training and development of coaches."
The former Reds boss is doing both supporting a sporting director and leveraging his extensive network, though in a slightly different capacity as was intended.
Klopp was in charge when Elliott joined Liverpool from Fulham as a 16-year-old in 2019. He then handed the young talent his debut in 2020 and the midfielder would go on to make 117 appearances under the manager, winning six trophies together.
But when he left Anfield in May 2024, Klopp actually admitted his one regret was not giving Elliott more minutes to play and establish his career at Liverpool.
"It's not that I go back and think, 'OK, what did we all do wrong?' But if I regret one thing a little bit, it's that Harvey didn't play often enough maybe," he began.
"Because in a very important, intense period – January, a lot of injuries – he played really good. He was probably our best player – right wing, right midfield, all these kinds of things.
"Everybody came back and he had minutes here, minutes there and he didn't start anymore."
A reunion of sorts in the Bundesliga, spearheaded by Klopp according to this latest report, would allow the Red Bull chief to watch over Elliott's career closely once again.