Klopp admits return of Liverpool FC trio feels like three summer signings

The Reds were without Clyne for most of the 2017-18 season before the England international made his long awaited return to the Reds team for their goalless draw with Everton in the derby on 7 April.

Matip made 25 apppearances throughout the campaign but the former Cameroon international hasn’t featured for the Reds since a 2-1 win at Crystal Palace at the end of March.

England defender Gomez earned rave reviews for his stellar performances at the back but the 21-year-old’s season was cut short following a 4-1 victory at Stoke City.

Clyne, Matip and Gomez all missed out on the chance to feature in Liverpool FC’s 3-1 loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League final in Kiev back in May.

Speaking to Liverpool FC’s website about the trio’s return from their respective injury setbacks, Klopp said:

“It always feels a little bit like they are like a transfer as well. Joe Gomez was out for a long time, but he was out in a very decisive period in the season after a very good season which he played, so it’s very good to have him back.

“It’s fantastic to have Joel Matip back, especially because Dejan is still at the World Cup and we wish him all the best for that – there’s no problem with having a final of England against Croatia! That’s the situation [and it’s] really cool.

“Clyney was already involved again in the last part of the season, but of course he’s as well like a new addition to the squad. The boys coming back from loan [too]. And now, it’s ‘let’s go’. It’s an intense time, but of course a very, very important time. You know how the season is, we don’t have a lot of time to do proper training in the physical department over the season, so we have to set the basis now.”

Liverpool FC have signed Brazil international Fabinho in a £39m deal from Ligue 1 side AS Monaco in the 2018 summer transfer window.

Guinea international Naby Keita has also linked up with his new Liverpool FC team-mates after the Reds agreed a £48m fee with Bundesliga side RB Leipzig last summer.

ARIS