"It's Christmas..." - Liverpool boss Klopp responds to Carragher's "outrageous" takeover claim

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp responded to Jamie Carragher’s “outrageous” takeover claim.

The Reds went close to an unprecedented quadruple last season but finished just short in both the Premier League and Champions League.

This term has been an entirely different story. Klopp’s side currently sit sixth in the Premier League, seven points adrift of Tottenham and some 15 points behind league leaders Arsenal.

Liverpool have also endured a tumultuous time off the pitch, with owners Fenway Sports Group confirming in November that they "would consider new shareholders" for the Premier League giants.

Whether that signifies a partnership or a full sale remains to be seen, though recent reports are suggesting that external investment will likely come in the form of a partial rather than full takeover.

Carragher’s takeover claim

Former Reds star Carragher claimed that FSG’s attempts to secure new investment may have been sparked by Klopp asking the ownership for more transfer funds.

Speaking ahead of the Reds' Carabao Cup defeat to Manchester City on Thursday night, Carragher told Sky Sports: "It’s interesting whether it’s a sale or an investment.

“I think there’s no doubt that Jurgen Klopp has said to Liverpool’s owners ‘I need £200million-£250million to spend in the summer’.

"That sounds like an outrageous figure but that’s what Manchester United and Chelsea spent last summer. So these are the figures that the teams Liverpool are competing with are spending."

Liverpool spent less than £100million on transfers last summer, with the majority of their outlay going on striker Darwin Nunez.

Klopp’s response to Carragher

When asked to address Carragher’s comments Klopp insisted Liverpool needed to resolve their current issues irrespective of whether any new investment comes in.

Klopp said via Express Sport: "It's Christmas, yes?! I'm not against investment, that's clear, but we will see what the future brings. I'm still convinced it will be good and right for us.

“In the moment we have to sort the situation, nothing to do with any kind of future investment."

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Topics: Football, Jurgen Klopp, Jamie Carragher, Liverpool, Transfers

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.