Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says that regardless of what happens in Basel tonight in the Europa League final against Sevilla, he has already drawn up his list of summer transfer targets.
Whatever happens at St Jakob-Park on Wednesday night, Klopp insists the foundations have been laid for Liverpool to push on next season.
“What I can say after seven or eight months here is that the whole club feel like it’s on a good way,” he added.
“You see it on the pitch. We want to take everything. We fight for everything.
“But it’s not about being there or we have to be next year there. We feel like we’re on a good way.
“We have created first of all a really good atmosphere at Melwood and Chapel Street. A nice, easily enjoyable atmosphere.
“It’s unbelievable what wonderful moments we’ve had since I’ve been here.
“My opinion is that this is the base for success in the future. Whenever that is. I can’t say ‘now’ or ‘now’ because things happen around us.”
If Liverpool win in Switzerland they will be one of the seeded teams in the Champions League next season, but Klopp takes the opposite approach from most in the media, that all players want is Champions League football:
“Since I said what I’d do if I player said to me he would only come if we have Champions League (put the phone down), no player had said it to me!” Klopp told the Liverpool ECHO.
So who is on Klopp’s wish list? Bayern Munich attacker Mario Gotze is the top target with the Reds hoping to wrap up a deal for around £20m.
Liverpool are also in advanced talks to sign Mainz keeper Loris Karius for £4.7mn to provide greater competition for Simon Mignolet.
Klopp also wants Udinese’s Poland international midfielder Piotr Zielinski, who has spent this season on loan at Empoli, while centre-back Joel Matip will join on a free transfer from Schalke this summer, while £5.1m midfielder Marko Grujic will arrive from Red Star Belgrade.