Jürgen Klopp, the former manager of Liverpool (57), regretted his past decision not to sign Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham).
The British media outlet 'TBR Football' reported on the 8th (Korean time) that "Klopp said he regretted not bringing Son Heung-min to Borussia Dortmund when he transferred to Tottenham for £22 million (about 41.2 billion won)."
The outlet stated, "Klopp missed several important signing opportunities. Liverpool came close to signing Moisés Caicedo under his management, but he went to Chelsea. Jude Bellingham was also a key target for Liverpool, but he transferred to Real Madrid," adding, "Among the players Klopp missed out on was Son Heung-min. He had the opportunity to sign Son while leading Dortmund, but did not seize it."
Klopp is a master tactician who managed Mainz (2001–2008) and Dortmund (2008–2015) before taking charge of Liverpool (2018–2024), winning the Premier League and UEFA Champions League. He is currently retired from coaching and serving as an administrator at the Red Bull Group.
Among the players Klopp missed were not only Son Heung-min but also Sadio Mané (Al Nassr) and Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City).
Klopp recently noted at the 10th anniversary event of Hoot Bay United Football Community held in South Africa that "(when I was leading Dortmund) I could have signed Son Heung-min. He was probably playing in Hamburg at that time. I don’t even remember why I didn’t sign him. However, after moving to Liverpool, while facing Son Heung-min in the Premier League, I thought, ‘What a foolish mistake!’ It was really a blunder."
De Bruyne was also one of the players Klopp missed. He said, "I want to reiterate to the Dortmund fans that we were very close to signing De Bruyne. However, he went to Wolfsburg and knocked us out in the cup final. I was shocked twice."
There are also reports that Son Heung-min was previously linked with Liverpool.
The British 'Telegraph' reported in 2022 that Son Heung-min was considering a transfer if Tottenham had failed to qualify for the Champions League. However, Tottenham dramatically secured 4th place in the Premier League under manager Antonio Conte, and Son Heung-min scored 23 goals, becoming the first Asian player to win the Golden Boot, which changed the prevailing sentiment towards staying. Liverpool pivoted to signing Darwin Núñez.
'TBR Football' assessed that "Son Heung-min would have performed perfectly as a left winger or center forward under Klopp. However, Klopp never had the opportunity to coach Son. If they had worked together, it would have been the best combination."
Meanwhile, Son Heung-min's future is uncertain. His contract expires in the summer of 2026, but there have been no reports of a renewal. Tottenham has triggered only a one-year extension option without offering a multi-year contract. Recently, rumors of Son Heung-min's transfer have continued amid Tottenham's struggles.
'Give Me Sports' reported that "The futures of Son Heung-min and Richarlison are uncertain. Tottenham plans to revamp the squad to end their trophy drought. Son Heung-min may leave."
It was also added that "With Tottenham approaching the last 12 months of Son Heung-min's contract, they will consider selling if transfer offers come in."
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