Klopp, FSG at odds over striker Liverpool maintain strong interest in
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp may be denied the opportunity to sign a proven Premier League striker due to a lack of backing from owners Fenway Sports Group.
That is according to transfer guru Duncan Castles, who believes the price of providing stiff competition for Roberto Firmino may cause FSG to baulk.
The Reds secured their maiden Premier League title at a canter, but genuine squad depth remains an issue in certain key areas.
Centre-forward is one such position, with the lack of a top class back-up compounded by the fact Firmino endured his worst season in front of goal in the league since moving to Anfield five years ago.
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One potential solution could be Wolves hitman Raul Jimenez. The Mexican is a proven top flight performer and according to Castles, Liverpool maintain an ‘interest’ in the striker.
Whether FSG will sanction a deal after previously shying away from Timo Werner remains unclear, and Castles remains unsure as to whether Klopp will be given the backing he desires.
Speaking on the Transfer Window podcast (via the Daily Express), Castles said: “I can see why there would be interest from Liverpool and the player because of the way he has performed for Wolves.
“There is a lot of competition there, he is first-choice for Juventus if they manage to dump Gonzalo Higuain in the current market place and raise sufficient revenue from transfers.
“One of the players they are trying to sell and sell to England is Douglas Costa.
“To be able to get Jimenez from Wolves, and they want to put him in an attack alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala which would be entertaining to watch for sure, and frightening to defend against.
“This will not be a cheap deal, Wolves paid a lot of money for Raul Jimenez to get him from Benfica. He is paid a very good salary there.
“They know his value, they’re a tough club to buy players from and I’m not sure whether Fenway Sports Group are prepared to back Klopp in the manner which would be required financially to get Jimenez from Wolves.
“While there is an interest, an understandable interest, it will be an interesting test of how much support FSG are prepared to give Klopp going into this next season to defend that Premier League title.”