Jurgen Klopp privately rubbished speculation that Liverpool were interested in Saul Niguez last summer – by praising Harvey Elliott.
Liverpool emerged as apparent frontrunners to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul in pre-season, with the Spanish side reported to have rejected a €40m offer.
Chelsea eventually loaned Saul in following further interest from Manchester City and Manchester United. The 27-year-old started 12 games for the Blues – four in the League Cup – and will return to the Spanish capital this summer.
🗣@JoeTweedie on Chelsea’s recruitment:
“This is a group of Scouts who recommended Saúl over Tchouaméni in the summer. Instead of paying 40-50 million for a guy who has been among the best midfielders in France for a player who, at times, struggled to resemble a pro footballer.” pic.twitter.com/4xwsXIpJso
— London Is Blue Podcast ⭐️⭐️ (@LondonBluePod) April 26, 2022
But in an effort to dispel the idea that Liverpool would pursue the midfielder 12 months ago, Klopp spoke up the talents of teenager Elliott.
Detailing the club’s season, The Athletic discuss a party that Klopp arranged for staff members to thank them for their contribution towards a ‘gruelling’ pre-season camp in Austria.
‘There was a buffet of smoked meats and cheeses. Attendees could order whatever they wanted from a free bar,’ James Pearce writes. This is important stuff.
While Klopp ‘did not give a speech’ at the event, he endeavoured to speak to everyone individually. During the evening, his fondness for Elliott was laid bare.
‘It’s a joke’ – Liverpool starlet Elliott sees Klopp as ‘father figure’
‘In one of the UK’s national newspapers, there was a story linking Liverpool to Saul Niguez, the Atletico Madrid midfielder who eventually signed for Chelsea,’ Pearce writes.
‘Klopp suggested the story was not true – why would it be when Elliott, a teenager recently returned from a successful loan at Championship…
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