Steven Gerrard Reportedly in Talks for Liverpool Return Under Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard has reportedly been in talks with the club’s new manager Jurgen Klopp about a sensational return to the club and could even feature in the first team again under the German.

That’s according to Simon Hughes of the Independent, who revealed on Wednesday that Gerrard and Klopp have spoken “several times” on the phone since the latter took over at Anfield. Hughes wrote that while the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder could return to train with the team to “help define the standards of professionalism” Klopp wants, there is a chance of a “formal playing agreement” being struck.

Hughes elaborated on why Gerrard is reportedly keen to trade the Los Angeles life for a return to Merseyside:

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Gerrard, 35, will take advice from friends, family and trusted colleagues within football before deciding whether it is appropriate to get involved at Liverpool again, even if it is just for training.

While he sees the American experience as beneficial, and he enjoys the lifestyle, he has missed Liverpool acutely as well as the cut and thrust of the Premier League—a level at which he believes he can still have an impact.

Gerrard is expected to attend Liverpool’s home match with Crystal Palace on Sunday and should meet Klopp in person for the first time early next week when the pair will try and plot the way forward.

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In a separate piece, Hughes noted that the travelling involved in Major League Soccer has meant Gerrard has not spent as much time with his family as he would have liked. It’s also reported the former England international has met with Galaxy coach Bruce Arena to discuss his future, as well as Liverpool chairman Tom Werner.

Gerrard left Liverpool at the end of the 2014-15 season amid plenty of fanfare having enjoyed a remarkable career on Merseyside. Despite the farewell, there are plenty of football romantics who would love to see the veteran back strutting his stuff at Anfield a few more times.

Paul Machin of The Redmen TV thinks it’d be a smart move on the part of Klopp:

Gerrard would certainly galvanise those around Anfield. He’s a player who is etched into the history of the football club, regularly led by example during his time with Liverpool and someone who would be a great asset to Klopp as he continues to become acquainted with his new role.

If utilised properly, he could probably still make an impact of sorts in the Premier League. In the twilight of his career, Gerrard is not a player who would be suited to the high-intensity football Klopp is seeking to instil at Liverpool. A role as an impact substitute is surely what the manager envisages.

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It is worth remembering when Gerrard left Liverpool, he was a faded force on the field. After missing the first few months of the Premier League that sharpness is only likely to have deteriorated further.

Anyway, it’s not as if Gerrard has been a standout player for the Galaxy either, as these statistics from WhoScored.com show:

A lot of Liverpool fans would love to see this happen. Gerrard is a player the Kop idolise and having someone in the squad with strong ties to the region is crucial, especially with a new manager taking over. With the 35-year-old edging towards the end of his career, a move back to the Reds could also pave the way for him being involved in the club after he retires from playing.

Liverpool could probably do without the circus that would accompany any reunion, though. Gerrard’s drawn-out farewell really affected the team towards the back end of 2014-15 and his return would be met with similar hyperbole.

It’d be wonderful to see him involved at Anfield during the next phase of his life, but for now, a swift homecoming wouldn’t suit the Reds, on or off the field.