Liverpool have clear transfer ‘priority’ as Jürgen Klopp targets Rio Ferdinand parting shot

Liverpool are just days away from saying goodbye to Jürgen Klopp. The Reds host Wolves on Sunday on the final day of the Premier League campaign and the final game of the Klopp era. It’s been an incredible nine years at Anfield and Klopp aimed one final parting shot at one of his bitter rivals.

The focus is already shifting to the summer and what could happen after Klopp’s exit. Arne Slot is set to arrive as head coach, and his options could be boosted by a defensive addition. Here’s a rundown of the latest Liverpool news.

Liverpool’s “transfer priority” is clear

A busy summer awaits at Liverpool as Arne Slot prepares to be appointed head coach. New sporting director Richard Hughes will lead transfer dealings, but Slot will have a say in identifying targets ahead of the summer window.

According to the journalist Fabrizio Romano, a central defender is a priority for the Reds at the end of the season. A replacement will be sought for Joël Matip, who is due to leave when his contract expires.

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Eintracht Frankfurt defender Willian Pacho is on the radar after an impressive season in Germany. He cost just $8.9m (£7m/€8.2m) in Frankfurt when he arrived from Royal Antwerp a year ago.

Arsenal are also keen on the Ecuadorian, with Frankfurt demanding around $66m (£52m/€61m) for his services this summer. Liverpool are said to have other defenders on their radar.

Jürgen Klopp aims the breakaway shot at Rio Ferdinand

Before leaving Anfield, Jürgen Klopp couldn’t resist one last try at former Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand. The former defender recently visited the AXA Training Center in Liverpool to interview Klopp for television channel TNT Sports.

However, Klopp recalled that Ferdinand wanted the 2019/20 season to be declared void after play was stopped due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Liverpool led the table for much of the campaign and went on to win the Premier League.

Speaking on Redmen TV, Klopp said: “Rio Ferdinand, I think he said, ‘I think you should cancel and cancel the league.’ I forgot that it’s actually him (the one who said this) because I only recently gave him an interview. It wasn’t a good interview anyway!”