Skip to content

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp respects Alex Teixeira's decision to move to China

Shakhtar Donetsk's Brazilian midfielder Alex Teixeira
Image: Alex Teixeira had admitted again that he wanted to move to Liverpool

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp insists he respects Alex Teixeira's decision to sign for Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Suning.

The 26-year-old Brazil international by agreeing to move to China in a £38m deal on Thursday, just weeks after Liverpool failed to agree a deal to sign him from Shakhtar Donetsk.

Sky sources understand that the Klopp was determined to return for Teixeira in the summer, when the Ukrainian club were expected to lower their £35m asking price, but they have now missed out on their priority target.

Teixeira meanwhile, in an interview with Shakhtar's website, confirmed he would have preferred to move to the Premier League but described offers for him from England as "windy".

Jurgen Klopp wanted to return for Alex Teixeira in the summer, according to Sky sources
Image: Jurgen Klopp wanted to return for Alex Teixeira in the summer, according to Sky sources

Klopp, in Friday's news conference, said: "We should respect we can all make our own decisions. People talk about financial power of the Premier League, now there is another competitor.

"If you are 26 and got an offer like he got then anyone would think about it. I have no problem with this."

Teixeira, in an interview published on Friday, said: "Let's put it like this: everyone always knew that I wanted to stay in Europe and move to the Premier League club.

Also See:

The Chinese revolution?
The Chinese revolution?

We get an expert's view on China's emergence in the transfer market

"But, unfortunately, all the proposals that came from them were somewhat windy and did not contain anything concrete.

"Now I have received a serious offer from China, of course, I'm moving there. At this stage, the Brazil national team will move away from me a little further, but let's see what happens in the future.

Live Ford Super Sunday

"To be honest, it all happened so fast that I haven't even had time to fully realise it. Of course, I'm sad because of leaving in Ukraine many friends and the people I know. I will be missing them a lot.

"My family, the closest people, influenced by decision the most. I consulted with my wife the most. She supported my decision. However, regardless of whether I would accept the proposal or not, she would have always been with me. I'm happy with that."

Around Sky