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Jurgen Klopp has well and truly established himself as one of the best managers in Europe over the last decade. The German tactician has transformed clubs like Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, turning them from mid-table clubs into genuine title contenders.
Jurgen Klopp has often worked on a tight budget
Jurgen Klopp hasn’t had the same financial backing as some of his competing managers at almost every stage of his career.
For instance, Bayern Munich always held the upper hand in the transfer market in the Bundesliga. Meanwhile, clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City have kept the aces when it comes to the Premier League.
Jurgen Klopp has had to pull a rabbit out of his hat and deliver a few bargain signings in such a scenario. The German has turned many footballers into world-class players, especially during his stint at Borussia Dortmund. In this article, we look at the five greatest budget transfers made by Jurgen Klopp.
Honorable mentions: Joel Matip, Lukasz Piszczek
#5 Ilkay Gundogan (€5.5 million)
Ilkay Gundogan must have given Jurgen Klopp a couple of sleepless nights during his free-scoring spree for Manchester City in the middle of last season. However, one must not forget that Gundogan gained recognition while playing under Klopp at Borussia Dortmund.
The Gelsenkirchen-born midfielder spent five years at Signal Iduna Park, appearing 157 times. He was bought by Jurgen Klopp for just €5.5 million and won the German domestic double during his first campaign.
Although Dortmund couldn’t pip Bayern Munich to the top of the table in the remainder of Gundogan’s tenure, Jurgen Klopp ensured they would win a couple of DFL-Super Cups.
Gundogan has achieved immense success under Pep Guardiola for Manchester City. He has also played over 50 matches for Germany, a remarkable feat considering their wealth of options in the middle of the park.
#4 Neven Subotic (€4.5 million)
Neven Subotic is the least glamorous player on this list and might be a relatively unknown name for younger fans. Subotic will be remembered for his contributions under Jurgen Klopp for both Borussia Dortmund and Mainz.
With 281 matches played over nine seasons, he ranks second in the list of most frequently used players by Jurgen Klopp.
The Serbian centre-back was purchased for just €4.5 million, a fantastic value signing. Subotic scored 22 goals and won six trophies in his career at Dortmund.
He formed a rock-solid partnership with Mats Hummels at the back for Jurgen Klopp, and played a pivotal part in Dortmund’s title-winning seasons.
Subotic is a few days away from his 33rd birthday. While most of the players on this list are still going strong, the Serb’s quality has faded away during the last few years.
He played for SCR Altach in the Austrian Bundesliga during the 2020-21 campaign but is currently a free agent.
#3 Andy Robertson (€9 million)
Andy Robertson is the true definition of a proper Jurgen Klopp bargain signing. Liverpool’s left-back conundrums have been well documented during Brendan Rodgers’ reign and Jurgen Klopp’s first couple of seasons at Anfield. Robertson’s consistent displays have made him one of the first names on the team sheet.
The Scottish captain was bought from Hull City for just €9 million. In late 2019, Robertson’s market value touched €80 million, which goes to show what a sensational signing he has been for Jurgen Klopp.
The left-back has made 191 appearances for Liverpool, winning the Premier League and UEFA Champions League along the way.
Alongside fellow full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, Robertson has been a creative force for Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool. His attacking exploits have landed him 41 assists so far.
A fruitful 2019 earned him a spot in UEFA’s Team of the Year as Europe’s best left-back. He remains one of the best players in his position, which is a testament to his consistency.
#2 Mats Hummels (€4.2 million)
Mats Hummels ranks among the best centre-backs of 2010s. During his prime, there weren’t many strikers who could outthink the German. Positionally adept, Hummels used his footballing mind to always stay a step ahead of the opposition forwards. Despite lacking pace, he was right up there with the most potent centre-backs during his prime.
Hummels played on 242 occasions for Jurgen Klopp at Dortmund in a stint that was sandwiched between his time at Bayern Munich. The German international returned to Dortmund in 2019 and is a regular feature in the team’s line-up under Marco Rose.
Hummels cost a mere €4.2 million when he was first signed for the club back in 2008. He won six trophies during his initial stint at Signal Iduna Park, including a couple of Bundesliga titles. He also played a key hand in Germany’s 2014 FIFA World Cup triumph.
#1 Robert Lewandowski (€4.75 million)
Just like the award for “Best Striker” at last night’s Ballon d’Or award ceremony, the top spot on this list comes as a consolation for the Polish striker. He probably deserved to pip Lionel Messi to the 2021 Ballon d’Or award.
Lewandowski has been a top-notch striker for the majority of the last decade, and he only seems to be getting better with time.
The former Borussia Dortmund marksman was purchased by Jurgen Klopp for €4.75 million. He scored 102 goals and registered 42 assists during his 186 matches under Jurgen Klopp. Lewandowski left Signal Iduna Park in 2014 on a free transfer and has taken his poaching ability to a whole new level.
Lewandowski’s skill set as an out-and-out number 9 cannot be matched by any player in Europe over the last few seasons. He broke Gerd Muller’s Bundesliga record for most goals in a single campaign last season and has started the current campaign with a bang.
Lewandowski has arguably been the best player over the previous two calendar years. And to think Klopp introduced him to the world following a deal that cost under €5 million is unbelievable.
