Transfer Rumor: A Klopp and Aubameyang Connection

A Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund connection is bound to happen at some point during Klopp’s reign as the Reds boss.

The transfer rumor is out that Klopp will make Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang a top target this summer and will have the available funds from the Fenway Sports Group to go get his man. Klopp will need these funds because it is also rumored that Arsenal and Manchester City will be looking to buy Aubameyang for big money too.

A Fight For Aubameyang

It has already been reported that Pep Guardiola will make a hard push for Aubameyang and has been in talks with Borussia Dortmund over a potential deal for the forward. The potential bid that Dortmund want is between £40-68 million, though Klopp may have the upper-hand on Manchester City due to his  relationship with Aubameyang during his time at Dortmund.  

Klopp needs to upgrade his side this summer, especially since he was stagnant during the January

window. There are still many weakness in this Liverpool side. Though, I do agree with Klopp’s assessment that Liverpool shouldn’t panic buy but keep the long-term picture of the club in mind.

So, who will Aubameyang replace? My guess is Daniel Sturridge. Daniel is injury-prone and doesn’t seem to thrive in Klopp’s system. Plus, it has already been reported that West Ham want to sign Sturridge.

Aubameyang Statistics

Here are Aubameyang’s statistics over the past four seasons, including the current season, in the Bundesliga.

Bundesliga

2013/2014 – 13 goals in 32 appearances

2014/2015 – 16 goals in 33 appearances

2015/2016 – 25 goals in 31 appearances

2016/2017 – 17 goals in 17 appearances 

*Aubameyang is on pace to score 32 goals in 32 appearances this season

Aubameyang’s three year average in goals and appearances is, 18 goals and 32 appearances. Not to mention he is above average when it comes to sharing the wealth, he is not afraid to earn the assist and let his fellow Dortmund players grab some goal-scoring glory.

Next, Dortmund have experience European competition over the past four seasons as well. Aubameyang has made multiple appearances each year.

European Competitions (Champions and Europa)

2016/2017 – 4 goals in 5 appearances

2015/2016 – 8 goals in 10 appearances

2014/2015 – 3 goals in 8 appearances

2013/2014 – 1 goal in 9 appearances

Aubameyang is average in European competitions is 4 goals per year. But again in 2015/2016 he turned it on and broke out as an elite forward for Dortmund, scoring 8 goals in the Europa League.

Comparison to Liverpool

Now, let’s compare Aubameyang to Liverpool’s top goal-scorers over the last two Premier League seasons. These are the two seasons that Aubameyang broke out in the Bundesliga at Dortmund.

Wow! That would be a huge boost to Klopp’s side. Aubameyang desires glory in other European leagues and I sure hope that Liverpool get a little taste of the glory with Aubameyang on our side. I believe there is some validity to this rumor and Liverpool fans should look forward to an eventful summer transfer window.

All statistical information from Squawka.com