‘Liverpool passed on Werner as Klopp doesn’t want lots of superstars’
Liverpool turned down the opportunity to sign RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner because Jurgen Klopp doesn’t like “lots of superstars” in his team, according to John Barnes.
The Germany international was announced on Thursday as Chelsea’s new £47.5million signing with the Blues ready to pay Werner £173,000 a week on a contract until 2025.
Liverpool were interested in the forward, with Klopp believed to have spoken personally to the player over the Easter period.
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The Reds though are believed to have withdrawn from the running to sign the no.9 due to the financial uncertainties surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.
However, Barnes reckons it could’ve been more to do with squad harmony than how much the striker would’ve cost them.
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When asked on Sky Sports why Liverpool turned down the chance to sign Werner, Barnes said: “Well once again you’re talking about the harmony within the team. You’re talking about a world-class player who demands to play every week and if he’s not going to play every week, is that going to upset the spirit in the camp?
“I don’t know if Timo Werner was given assurances or he feels he can play for Chelsea every week rather than coming here, but you’ve got to be careful and I know Jurgen doesn’t like to have a big squad and lots of superstars in the team.
“Keeping them happy can be quite problematic and we’ve seen every now and again, like the Barcelona game when they didn’t have [Roberto] Firmino or Salah and [Divock] Origi can come in and did the job.”