Jürgen Klopp has disclosed that he previously attempted to sign Konrad Laimer for Liverpool before the Austrian midfielder ultimately joined Bayern Munich. The revelation came during Klopp’s punditry work for MagentaTV covering the World Cup, offering insight into his transfer targets during his time at Anfield.
Laimer moved to Bayern Munich from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023 on a free transfer, capitalizing on the expiration of his contract with the Red Bulls. Klopp indicated his interest predated this move, specifically targeting Laimer to fill the number six role in his midfield. He expressed regret that the transfer did not materialize, stating he envisioned a specific role for the player within his tactical setup.
“I wanted to bring him to Liverpool as a number six, but then he went to Bayern,” Klopp stated, clarifying his intended use for the player. Despite primarily featuring as a full-back for Bayern this season, Klopp maintained his belief that Laimer’s strengths lie in a more central position. “As for Laimer, I can say: in my team, he would play as a number six,” he added.
Laimer has become a regular member of the Bayern squad, contributing in both defensive and attacking phases. He has made 26 appearances across all competitions for the Bavarian giants this season, demonstrating his versatility under manager Thomas Tuchel. The 29-year-old has also been a consistent performer for the Austrian national team, earning 33 caps since his debut in 2015.
According to reports from Sky Sports Germany, Bayern Munich and Laimer are currently in discussions regarding a contract extension, potentially extending his stay at the Allianz Arena beyond his current deal which runs until 2027. This development suggests Bayern are pleased with Laimer’s contributions and see him as a key part of their future plans, further closing the door on any potential future move for the midfielder.
Klopp’s comments highlight Liverpool’s ongoing need for midfield reinforcement, a position they addressed significantly in the summer of 2023 with the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch. Laimer’s profile as a dynamic, versatile midfielder suggests he would have been a strong addition to the Liverpool squad, but his commitment to Bayern means the club will need to look elsewhere to fill that role.
