He was actually in a somewhat similar situation having lost Robert Lewandowski to Bayern Munich this summer. Klopp replaced the 25-year-old Polish striker with Capocannoniere winner, Cirro Immobile of Torino. Bit of an odd choice for Klopp, but unlike Rodgers, the German no longer has the luxury to develop players. That's what two titles and a trip the Champions League finals does to supporter's expectations, but what if it was 2010?
That's when Klopp bought Lewandowski, a little known striker who was coming off a stellar season with Lech Poznán, when he lead the Ekstraklasa in goals scored. He wasn't really replacing anyone, even though Nelson Valdez left the club that summer, but Klopp knew that the 54 goals his club scored the season before would never be enough to win the league. Lucas Barrios, the team's leading scorer with 19 goals in his first season, stayed on, while Shinji Kagawa was also added.
So basically Klopp would be looking for a star player in a league that has similar style of play. Call me cray, but the player that probably fits the bill best is Stevie May of St. Johstone in the SPL. The 21-year-old striker has produced at every level he has played. In 2011-12, he was loaned out to Alloa Athletic of the Scottish Third Division, where he scored 22 goals in 19 matches. The season before last, he spent loaned at Hamilton Academical, where he found the net 25 times in 33 matches. Last year he was one of the leading scorers in the SPL with 20 goals for the Saints.
May has an uncanny style of play, he doesn't possess great pace, but he's quick and tricky on the ball. He also has a keen sense when to let loose, scoring goals by catching opposition defence and keepers off guard with swift and odd-angled shots. He is also a decent passer of the ball, tying for his club lead with 5 assists.
Unfortunately, Sheffield Wednesday got to him first, but that could be a good thing. If he continues to perform in the Championship as he has in every league he's played, Rodgers would be mental not to snatch him up. I honestly would go ahead and buy the 21-year-old Scot and then loan him back to Wednesday. He just seems to be one of those players who's style baffles not only opponents, but supporters as well.
Here's a video of all his goals from last season:
