Klopp's Liverpool transfer plan on track despite Chelsea's 'dismal, short-term' Potter decision

Liverpool’s pursuit of Conor Gallagher and Mason Mount is unlikely to be affected by Graham Potter’s Chelsea sacking.

On Sunday Chelsea dismissed Potter after less than seven months in charge, following the club’s 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa.

It was the Englishman’s 11th defeat in 31 games since replacing Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge in early September.

The Blues are now languishing in 11th place in the Premier League, some 12 points adrift of the top four, despite having spent more than £550million on new players this term.

In a statement, the club owners said they were “disappointed” to sack Potter, while his dismissal has received a mixed response across the football world.

Indeed, while a certain quarter of the Chelsea fan base has rejoiced at the news, some former players and pundits have lamented the club’s hierarchy.

Indeed, journalist Ian Ladyman wrote in the Mail Online that though “inevitable”, Potter’s sacking was “dismally short-term and short-sighted”.

How will Potter’s sacking affect Liverpool’s transfer plans?

Liverpool are another member of the supposed ‘big six’ that have endured a poor season.

After Saturday’s 4-1 defeat to Manchester City, Jurgen Klopp’s side fell to eighth in the Premier League, eight points behind Manchester United in fourth.

In turn, the Merseyside club have been tipped to undergo a major summer rebuild, and have reportedly identified two Chelsea players - Gallagher and Mount - as targets.

And it appears their pursuit of Gallagher is unlikely to be affected by Potter’s dismissal.

According to the Independent, while the 23-year-old had been seen as a viable option by both Potter and his predecessor Tuchel, Chelsea are under pressure to offload several players this summer.

The Blues must meet financial fair play requirements after spending so much in the first season of the new ownership.

Moreover, the Athletic claimed last month that Chelsea were no closer to agreeing a new contract with Mount, with a suspicion growing that this will prove to be his last season at Stamford Bridge.

Indeed, Mount was reportedly rated by Potter, and his departure is likely to be affected by the arrival of a new manager.

According to the publication Chelsea would seek £70million for the England star, even though he is entering the last year of his deal.

Topics: Jurgen Klopp, Chelsea, Liverpool, Graham Potter, Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.