Liverpool Transfer News: Roberto Firmino Revelation, Top Jurgen Klopp Rumours

Jurgen Klopp, the man Sky Sports and others anticipate to take the vacant managerial job at Liverpool, reportedly recommended summer signing Roberto Firmino to the club and could look to bolster the team’s defence with Borussia Dortmund player Neven Subotic.

According to David Maddock of the Daily Mirror, Klopp doesn’t think a major upheaval of the Liverpool squad is needed and he can push the club toward the Premier League’s top four spots with the current personnel. Firmino, a former Hoffenheim player, could be a major part of that process.

Maddock explains why Liverpool supporters should be excited at the prospect of the former Dortmund boss linking up with the Brazilian:

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Interestingly, Klopp is a big fan of Roberto Firmino, who became the second biggest signing in Anfield history in the summer, after joining from Hoffenheim for £29m—and there is even a thought he may have recommended the attacking midfielder to the club.

As recently as April of this year, the then-Borussia Dortmund manager spoke about his “respect” for the Brazilian, and of what a threat he was—which suggests Firmino has a big future under the new manager.

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Offensively, Klopp teams are synonymous with a rock 'n' roll style of football. Dortmund were devastating in transitions under the tutelage of the German, passing through the lines with incision and invention when the game was stretched and looking to nick possession back off the opposition with high pressing. 

Firmino does seem tailor-made for this kind of philosophy if his Hoffenheim displays are anything to go by. He's had a rocky start to life on Merseyside, but the Selecao Brasileira Twitter account doesn’t feel as though former Reds manager Brendan Rodgers was using the player correctly:

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Brendan Rodgers has been officially SACKED from Liverpool. I hope that the new coach doesn't waste Roberto Firmino wide.

— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats) October 4, 2015"

There are also big issues that need sorting out in defence. Rodgers was never able to make Liverpool a consistently cohesive team, and while a high-pressing style would take some pressure off the back four, Klopp will want to acquire a defender who is familiar with that particular style of play.

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Subotic, whom Klopp is keen on bringing to Anfield, according to Maddock, may be an ideal acquisition. While Mats Hummels is the Dortmund man often lauded for his skills at the back, Subotic’s authoritative showings provide an excellent foil for the Germany international. 

Bleacher Report's lead Liverpool correspondent, Matt Ladson, thinks other defensive reinforcements would be needed too:

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The Express say Klopp could take Subotic to LFC - "would offer a quality partner for Skrtel." Hahaha.

— Matt Ladson (@mattladson) October 5, 2015"

One player who could find himself in an intriguing position further down the line is Mario Balotelli. The Italian never settled at Anfield under Rodgers, but new managers often have different ideas, meaning players out on loan can occasionally return to find they have a future with their parent club. Balotelli has started some rumours he could be on his way back.

"Coming back soon,” posted Balotelli on his official Twitter feed on October 7 before the message was deleted, per Adam Skinner of the Daily Express.

The Italy international then posted the following in response to the speculation that inevitably ensued:

Although the prospect of working with the German manager may be appealing to Balotelli, it’s surely better for him to remain in Milan for the time being. The forward is getting regular minutes under his belt, starting the Rossoneri’s last two Serie A matches and performing admirably in his displays to date.

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As noted by BT Sport’s James Horncastle, Balotelli seems to be maturing a little during his second spell with the Milan giants:

One of the main issues for Klopp is he’s unlikely to be able to fully mould this team in his image until next summer. It’s rare we see clubs do major business in the mid-season window, and though he’ll likely try and bring in some fresh faces in January, any big-money moves will surely have to wait.

Balotelli may be given a chance next season, but it’d be a big surprise if he was to work well under Klopp. Liverpool’s game going forward will be centred around a high-octane, hard-working style of football, and for all the Italian’s attributes, his languid persona means he wouldn't be the right man to lead the line in this particular system.