Agent claims Liverpool FC held talks about signing 23-year-old
Liverpool FC boss Jurgen Klopp is a long-term admirer of Jean-Philippe Gbamin, according to the player's agent
Liverpool FC contacted Mainz O5 about signing Jean-Philippe Gbamin last year, according to the player’s agent.
The Reds have been quiet in the summer so far despite Liverpool FC winning the Champions League for a sixth time in Madrid earlier this month.
Liverpool FC were 2-0 winners against their bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur to end what was a brilliant season on a positive note.
Jurgen Klopp is bound to be linked with a host of players in the summer transfer window as the Liverpool FC manager looks to add more depth to his team.
Alberto Moreno and Daniel Sturridge were both released on free transfers this summer to leave voids in the Reds squad ahead of the new season.
Now, Gbamin’s agent Bernard Collignon has claimed that Klopp is a long-term admirer of the Ivory Coast international and even contacted Mainz 05 about the versatile player in January 2018.
“In January 2018, Klopp called Mainz and wanted to commit him as a centre-back, who also helps out in midfield,” Collignon told Fussball Transfers, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo.
“But Mainz did not want to let him go in the middle of the relegation battle.
“In the summer, Liverpool signed Fabinho.”
He added: “I had meetings with Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal, Everton and many other clubs.
“He is in the shortlist. However, not as a top candidate, because his exact position is unclear.
“In my opinion he is a player worth 60 million euros. It’s time for him to play as a centre-back.
“There he would be a top player in all four major leagues and would make a great career.”
Gbamin has made four appearances for the Ivory Coast national team over the past two years.
The 23-year-old has made 46 appearances in all competitions for the Bundesliga side since his move to Mainz O5 from Ligue 1 side Lens in 2017.
Liverpool FC finished in second place in the Premier League table last term and a point behind champions Manchester City.
