Jurgen Klopp can repeat genius Georginio Wijnaldum transfer tactic to bag Liverpool bargain of the summer

With sporting director Julian Ward set to leave at the end of the season and a top-four finish still looking unlikely, there is huge uncertainty surrounding Liverpool's plans for the upcoming summer transfer window.

While Jurgen Klopp is expected to be backed in the market, it is unclear how much money he will have to spend.

Liverpool have already pulled out of the race to sign Jude Bellingham, with the club reportedly unwilling to spend the majority of their budget on one player.

The decision to end their interest in Bellingham suggests Liverpool will not embark on a huge splurge this summer, with Klopp himself recently tempering expectations.

"I never understood why we constantly talk about things we theoretically cannot have," said Klopp, after being asked about Bellingham.

"We cannot have six players in the summer and everyone is £100m, for example. That is kind of clear. You have to realise what you can do, then work with it.”

"It is always how I've worked," Klopp added.

"Whatever I wanted and needed, we tried absolutely everything to get it but there are moments when you have to accept that this or that is not possible for us. Just step aside and do different stuff."

So, what is different stuff? Clues to Liverpool's summer transfer plan can be spotted in Klopp's previous signings as Reds manager, particularly those made in his first summer window at Anfield.

He made six signings in the summer of 2016, some better than others. While the low-risk signings of Loris Karius (£4.7m), Ragnar Klavan (£4.2m) and Alex Manninger (free) failed to work out, there were also three major successes.

The signing of Joel Matip on a free transfer from Schalke has proved to be a masterstroke, while Sadio Mane would go on to become a club legend after joining in a £36m move from Southampton.

But perhaps the most impressive piece of business that summer was signing Georginio Wijnaldum in a £23m move from Newcastle United. After the Magpies were relegated from the Premier League, Liverpool pounced to sign Wijnaldum ahead of a number of other top-flight clubs.

Like Matip and Mane, Wijnaldum played an integral role in Liverpool's transformation under Klopp – with the midfielder winning both the Champions League and Premier League before leaving for PSG in 2021.

Klopp to repeat Wijnaldum trick?

While Liverpool are expected to invest in a big-money midfielder this summer, with Chelsea star Mason Mount and Brighton duo Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo on their list of transfer targets, Klopp is certain to look for cheaper options to further bolster his midfield.

One potential bargain signing is United States international Yunus Musah, who is also being targeted by Arsenal.

Musah, 20, could be sold by Valencia this summer with the Spanish club 17th in La Liga and at risk of relegation.

According to Spanish publication Fichajes, Valencia are 'ready to listen' to offers for Musah and are seeking between €30m (£26.1m) and €40m (£35m) for the midfielder. But it is also claimed that if Valencia are relegated, their asking price could drop to just €20m (£17.4m).

With Liverpool needing to bring in several new midfielders, signing Musah could be an astute piece of business – with Klopp adept at turning promising talents into world-class players, as evidenced by Wijnaldum's transformation under the German.