Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has asked his former striker Mario Gotze to join a team where this summer he will be able to become an effective first-team player.
The 28-year-old starred in his first spell at Dortmund under Klopp before leaving for Bayern Munich in 2013.
Gotze has struggled to recapture his past fine form since joining Dortmund in 2016 and will look for a new club this summer with his contract set to expire.
Some have linked Gotze to a Liverpool meeting with Klopp, but speaking to Sky Germany Klopp seemed to play down the rumors by suggesting that he should go to a club where he would be guaranteed a place in the weekend starting line-up.
“Everybody in the company knew his contract was running out. If things weren’t settled a year in advance, there are some indications it’s coming to a close. Mario’s going to need many games in a row. He needs a club that gives him the feeling in every game that he doesn’t have to change the world. Instead, Gotze only has to play normally and then play again and play again. Then I hope we’ll see old Mario Gotze again. That’s not realistic at the moment in Dortmund with the quality they have in the offensive zone. It makes total sense that Mario is leaving the club. I couldn’t wish him more luck, to be honest. I think he’s an exceptional player and also an exceptional character. I like him and wish him the best,” Klopp said.
Whether another Premier League club is swooping for Gotze remains to be seen, and given the current financial implications of the coronavirus crisis the signing of such an experienced striker on a free transfer could represent something of a deal.
