Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp reveals why he signed Ragnar Klavan

Klavan became the fourth signing of a busy summer window so far at Anfield (Photo: Getty)

Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Liverpool beat a host of footballing giants to land defender Ragnar Klavan from Augsburg and is expecting big things from the centre-back.


The Estonia international signed a long-term deal on Wednesday as he completed his move to Anfield, where he is expected to compete for place in the side with Mamadou Sakho, Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip.


And Klopp insists the 30-year-old was his No.1 target at centre-back, having been consistently impressed by his performances while managing Borussia Dortmund.


‘At the end of last season I knew that if we decided to take somebody in this position he was the one I wanted. Now I’m really happy with the options we have got at centre back,’ Klopp told the club’s official site.

Klavan replaces Martin Skrtel, who moved to Fenerbahce last week

‘I’ve seen up close for three seasons how good his performances in Germany have been and last season we got the chance to see him against us – and a lot in preparation – for our games against Augsburg.


‘The last time he played against us at Dortmund they had 10 men and he defended really well to help them get a clean sheet and a win.


‘He will bring us really good qualities with his defensive intelligence and ability on the ball and he is a left-footed player so will give us extra balance.


‘I know that he is not only a very good player but the type of mentality and person who is coming here to fight and to win.


‘He has had chances to move to some very big clubs but showed loyalty to Augsburg and now we’ve beaten some big teams for him to come here. I think he has made a great decision!’