Pundit tips Klopp to perform drastic change of heart after Werner snub

Liverpool legend John Aldridge says he would be “surprised” if Jurgen Klopp does not convince the club to change their stance on the transfer market.

The Reds ended their pursuit of Timo Werner earlier this month, owing to the striker’s £50million release clause.

As such, Chelsea, who were quiet in January after their summer transfer ban, swooped in.

And while Liverpool have limited spending power, pundits including Jamie Carragher have recognised their need to find better back-up for their front three.

And Aldridge says the Reds would be wise to rethink their transfer strategy to avoid falling behind Manchester City.

“We understand the reasons why they decided not to sign Timo Werner and how the manager and those around him are determined to build the right kind of squad and not go for quick fixes,” Aldridge told the Liverpool Echo.

“The position they have got Liverpool into in recent years is absolute evidence that they deserve to be trusted.

“But they’re not soft. They know there’s a possibility of losing [Mohamed] Salah and [Sadio] Mane for a period of time next January now it looks like the Africa Cup of Nations is going to be rescheduled back to that time of the year.

“And I just wonder whether there might be a change of heart over bringing a player or two in.

“We’ve got Curtis Jones who can come in for [Adam] Lallana but if [Xherdan] Shaqiri goes we will need another striker, I think.”

‘KLOPP CANNOT STAND STILL’

Aldridge added that Liverpool cannot stand still, with those around them already improving their squads.

He added: “It’s not easy to improve a squad as good as Liverpool’s but Chelsea, amongst others, are strengthening well and will be more competitive next season, as will Manchester United who have a great looking player in [Bruno] Fernandes and will no doubt to try attract more.

“When you’re ahead, you have to try and make sure you stay that one step ahead so if that means going out and getting a world-class player to enhance the squad then I would like to see us do it.

“There will be a couple of players who leave in the summer and, while we have high hopes for some of the young lads who clearly have big futures ahead of them, I would still like to see us get someone in.

“Ultimately it comes down to whether Jurgen Klopp feels the same but if he does, I’d be surprised if it didn’t happen.”

Liverpool return to action on Wednesday, playing at Anfield for the first time since football shut down in March.

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