League One Sunderland reportedly wanted to sign Herbie Kane on loan from Premier League Liverpool – but Jurgen Klopp has big plans for him.
A loan spell at Sunderland felt like exactly what Herbie Kane needed – the chance to prove himself in a high-pressure environment in front of a demanding, 49,000-strong crowd.
But after missing out on a move to the Stadium of Light, a Champions League debut for the reigning European champions would be some consolation.
According to The News, Sunderland were keen to sign Kane on loan from Liverpool before the transfer window slammed shut on September 2nd.
The 20-year-old enforcer was included in the League One Team of the Season in May after a superb spell at Doncaster Rovers and he looked like a perfect addition to a one-paced Sunderland midfield lacking goals and creativity in equal measure.
The report added, however, that Jurgen Klopp was keen to keep a player Steven Gerrard tipped for the very top at Anfield for the time being. Apparently, the former Borussia Dortmund coach felt that Kane could be a useful back-up option with Liverpool looking to compete on four fronts this season.
On Wednesday, Liverpool released their official Champions League squad for 2019/20 and Kane, who is yet to make a first-team debut for The Reds, jumped off the page.
Klopp often uses cup competitions to give his brightest young talents a chance and don’t be surprised if Sunderland’s one-that-got-away is rewarded with a run-out against Napoli, Red Bull Salzburg or Genk.
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