Jurgen Klopp claims failed transfer was ‘one of the biggest mistakes of his life’

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has branded the failure to sign Son Heung Min as one of the biggest mistakes of his entire life.

Back in 2013, Klopp was in charge of Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund and Son was on the lookout for a new team.

At that time, the South Korean international had to choose between Dortmund and another German side, Bayer Leverkusen.

To Klopp’s disappointment, Son chose to play for Leverkusen. On his Dortmund snub, Son later said: “I wanted to stay in the Bundesliga. Leverkusen and Dortmund wanted me. Both teams play in the Champions League but I thought Dortmund would use rotation more than Leverkusen. That’s why I chose Leverkusen over Dortmund. It’s really important to play regularly at my age.”

During his time with Leverkusen, Son produced some stellar performances which led to his £22 million move to Tottenham Hotspur in 2015.

Since joining Spurs, Son has developed into one of the finest players in world football and was the Golden Boot winner last season alongside Mohamed Salah.

After Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Spurs on Sunday, Klopp spoke about his failed attempt at signing Son.

He told South Korean TV broadcaster KBS: “One of the big mistakes in my life was that I didn't sign him. Outstanding player. World-class player and one of the best strikers in the world. Yeah, you should be proud.”

Last December, Klopp and Son shared a joke after Liverpool and Spurs played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium. In the return fixture at Anfield, Klopp and Son were captured sharing a warm embrace after a 1-1 draw.

The Liverpool boss was overheard telling Son: “Here is special!” in relation to the atmosphere at Anfield.

In the summer, Son was linked with a shock move to Anfield after Liverpool sold fellow left winger Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich. However, Spurs were never in the mood to sell as Son signed a long-term deal with the club in July of 2021.

In the past few weeks, there have been speculations about Son’s future as he is reportedly frustrated by his club’s lack of progress.

The 30-year-old is currently nursing a facial injury but Klopp is positive about Son’s participation in the upcoming World Cup.

He said: “I heard he'll be alright [for Qatar]. Maybe he will need to wear a mask but even with a mask, he'll be alright.”