The Dortmund star has had positive things to say about Klopp and LFC
As the January window looms, the transfer rumour machine will begin cranking into gear and the stories will get evermore far-fetched and nonsensical.
However, we’re bringing you a slightly more believable transfer story this morning that even contains a quote or two from the player.
According to Sky Sports, long-time target Ilkay Gundongan has refused to be drawn on claims linking him with a move to Anfield but he did have positive things to say about the club and Klopp, saying: “They have a good team, a great coach.”
Not really much to go on but the midfielder has also stated that new contract discussions have yet to take place with the Bundesliga side. And he’s no clearer when the club will want to sit down and speak with the player.
This seems to be the crux of the claims, with Gundongan not ruling a move out and stating that he doesn’t know when he’ll sit down to begin contract discussions.
And with Liverpool manager Klopp making quite clear earlier this week that there are no agreements in place with Dortmund to not raid the club for former players, it will make for a very interesting month of January.
Gundongan continued: “There are no new developments as of yet. I am feeling very well at BVB [Dortmund] and I know what I have at this club.
“I know that I will have to deal with the matter of my future at some point and that people expect me to make a decision. I want to deal with this situation in a respectful way and will sit down with the Dortmund management first and make a decision. But I do not know when that moment will be yet.”
The German star also claimed that Champions League football was not a pivotal point when it came to making his decision about signing a new contract at Dortmund. However, actually having Champions League football would no doubt strengthen Liverpool’s position should they wish to make a move.
So, there you have it. A top quality Dortmund star thinks highly of LFC and even more highly of his former manager. Whether that actually comes to anything will not become clear until the next window opens in January.
“And with Liverpool manager Klopp making quite clear earlier this week that there are no agreements in place with Dortmund to not raid the club for former players, it will make for a very interesting month of January.”
I’ve always found fascinating a journalist’s ability to focus on something somebody said, forgetting everything else the same person said, thus taking it completely out of context.
It’s very convenient to forget that Klopp also said he won’t be breaking the bank in January, because that way you have something to write about, eh?