Ward considered this for several seconds and his expression showed he was calculating whether the concession cost Liverpool anything meaningful.
"We can add language stating that if starts fall below fifteen in the first season, loan discussion initiates automatically at the player's request," Ward said. "That's acceptable to us."
Marco nodded. "I'll want that specific language in the final contract, not just verbal agreement here."
"Of course," Ward said.
Klopp leaned forward again and addressed Demien directly while bypassing Marco deliberately.
"But you should know," Klopp said, and his eyes stayed on Demien's face, "if you come to Liverpool and train the way I think you will, we won't need that clause. You'll be playing. I don't sign players to sit them on the bench. That's not how I work."
