Jürgen Klopp’s Biggest Transfer Regrets: The Stars He Almost Signed

Jürgen Klopp is one of football’s most celebrated managers, known for his tactical brilliance and ability to develop world-class talent. Yet, even a strategist of his caliber has regrets—particularly when it comes to players he almost signed. In recent interviews, the former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund boss has reflected on missed opportunities that could have reshaped his managerial legacy. Here’s a deep dive into the transfers Klopp wishes he’d made—and why they still haunt him.

The One That Got Away: Sadio Mané at Borussia Dortmund

Klopp’s most publicized transfer regret involves Sadio Mané, the Senegalese forward who later became a Liverpool legend under his guidance. Speaking in April 2026, Klopp admitted that failing to sign Mané during his time at Borussia Dortmund was his “biggest transfer regret.”

At the time, Mané was a rising star at Red Bull Salzburg, dazzling with his pace and technical ability. Dortmund, but, opted for other targets—a decision Klopp now views as a missed chance to pair Mané with Robert Lewandowski and Marco Reus in a frontline that could have dominated Europe. Instead, Mané joined Southampton in 2014 before Klopp brought him to Liverpool in 2016, where he became a Champions League and Premier League winner.

“Looking back, Sadio was exactly the kind of player we needed at Dortmund. His energy, his directness—he would have thrived in our system. It’s one of those ‘what if’ moments that sticks with you.”

— Jürgen Klopp, Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull

Son Heung-min: The £22 Million Mistake

Another name that looms large in Klopp’s regrets is Son Heung-min. In 2015, as Klopp prepared to leave Dortmund for Liverpool, the club had the opportunity to sign the young South Korean winger from Bayer Leverkusen. Instead, Son moved to Tottenham Hotspur for £22 million—a fee that now seems like a bargain given his subsequent rise to global stardom.

Klopp has since acknowledged that Son’s style—his movement, creativity, and work rate—would have been a perfect fit for Dortmund’s counter-attacking philosophy. The winger’s success at Tottenham, where he became the Premier League’s top scorer in 2021-22, only deepens the sense of what might have been.

Why These Regrets Matter

Klopp’s reflections aren’t just about nostalgia; they reveal the fine margins in football’s transfer market. A single signing can alter a club’s trajectory, and Dortmund’s near-misses with Mané and Son highlight how close they came to assembling a squad capable of sustained Champions League success. For Klopp, these regrets likewise underscore the importance of conviction in scouting—trusting the process even when a player isn’t yet a household name.

Key Takeaways

• Sadio Mané: Klopp’s biggest regret was not signing him at Dortmund, only to later manage him at Liverpool.
• Son Heung-min: A £22 million move to Tottenham left Dortmund—and Klopp—ruing a missed opportunity.
• Scouting Lessons: Both players were emerging talents when Klopp had the chance to sign them, proving the value of early investment in potential.
• Legacy Impact: These near-signings could have elevated Dortmund’s status in European football during Klopp’s tenure.

The Broader Pattern: Klopp’s Transfer Philosophy

Klopp’s transfer strategy has always prioritized fit over reputation. At Liverpool, he built a squad around players like Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Alisson Becker—all of whom were undervalued at the time of their signings. His regrets at Dortmund suggest a similar approach: identifying talent before it peaks and integrating it into a system that maximizes its strengths.

Yet, as his comments reveal, even the best managers second-guess themselves. The difference between a “fine” transfer window and a “great” one often comes down to a handful of decisions—and for Klopp, Mané and Son are the ones that got away.

What’s Next for Klopp?

Now serving as Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer, Klopp has shifted his focus from the touchline to shaping the company’s footballing vision. Although he no longer makes transfer decisions directly, his insights continue to influence how clubs identify and develop talent. For fans, his regrets offer a fascinating glimpse into the “what ifs” of football history—and a reminder that even the most successful managers don’t get every call right.

FAQ

Did Jürgen Klopp ever manage Sadio Mané?

Yes, but not at Borussia Dortmund. Klopp signed Mané for Liverpool in 2016, where he became a key player in the club’s Champions League and Premier League triumphs.

Why didn’t Dortmund sign Son Heung-min?

The exact reasons remain unclear, but Klopp has implied that the club’s transfer priorities at the time led them to pursue other targets. Son ultimately joined Tottenham in 2015.

What other transfer regrets has Klopp mentioned?

While Mané and Son are the most prominent, Klopp has also hinted at other near-misses, though he hasn’t named them publicly. His focus remains on the players who did join his squads and the success they achieved together.

How does Klopp’s transfer strategy differ from other managers?

Klopp prioritizes system fit and character over pure talent. He looks for players who can adapt to his high-pressing, high-intensity style, often targeting underrated or undervalued players before they reach their peak.