Jurgen Klopp's approach to transfers at Liverpool, focusing on long-term prospects rather than big-name signings, has proven to be a winning strategy. The German will be remembered as one of Anfield's most successful managers, having led the Reds to Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup glory during his nine-year tenure.

His exceptional man-management skills, tactical acumen and tireless work ethic were key to Liverpool's successes between 2015 to 2024, but his transfer strategy also played a significant role. In the summer of 2021, the 58-year-old gave a glimpse into his recruitment philosophy.

Amidst rumours that Cristiano Ronaldo was set for a Premier League return with Manchester City, Klopp explained why he would avoid splashing out on a player already in or past their prime - given Ronaldo was 36 at the time. Instead, he shared a preference for planning for the future with his signings.

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When asked about Ronaldo at the time, Klopp said: "I watch that like a football supporter actually. I have no more knowledge about it, you probably have much more knowledge about it, if it will happen or not, than I have.

"It's not about me to judge that. It's about if other clubs can do things like this, it's obviously not business for the future. In three or four years we will have the benefit of that, it's for now and immediately if that happens.

"That is how some clubs are obviously working and that is absolutely fine, but there must be different ways. There must be a team a year later and two years later, for us at least. And three years later as well.

"You need success. We felt that if you can win trophies it is great but it's not, even with the best squad in the world, possible every year. If that's not possible, you still need to make sure you develop as a team and a club.

"That's what we did and that's what we do. Anything else is really not in our hands. We watch it like all of you and will see what happens," reports the Liverpool Echo.

It turned out that Pep Guardiola had no intention of bringing the Portuguese superstar to the Etihad Stadium, and Ronaldo eventually made his way back to Old Trafford in 2021 in a £12.8million transfer from Juventus. His second stint at Manchester United was short-lived, as he parted ways with the club after just one season and took up a new challenge with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia in 2023.

Klopp's strategy has clearly paid dividends for Liverpool in the long term, with many of his early signings still forming the backbone of the team as the club heads into 2025/26 season without him. For instance, Klopp splashed out £43.9m on a 25-year-old Mohamed Salah from Roma back in 2017 - a player who ended up as the Premier League's top goal-scorer this season.

Other key figures that Klopp brought to Anfield and are still part of the squad include Andy Robertson, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, Harvey Elliott and Diogo Jota. And it seems Arne Slot is following in Klopp's footsteps.

The Dutchman, fresh off a Premier League-winning debut season with Liverpool, has been quick to make changes to his squad in the current transfer window. Following the departure of first-choice right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Slot swiftly secured the services of Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong in a £29.5m deal.

At just 24, the versatile star only looks set to improve, and with a contract until 2028, Liverpool know they have a dependable player for the next three seasons. In addition, Liverpool broke their club-record transfer fee by also signing Florian Wirtz from Leverkusen earlier this month, in a deal believed to be worth around £116m.

The German international is currently just 22 years old, and with the deal reportedly set to last until 2030, Liverpool could reap the rewards of his prime years. Moreover, if European powerhouses such as Barcelona, Real Madrid or PSG show interest in the future, Liverpool could potentially make a significant profit from their investment, should they decide to let him go.

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