Liverpool’s valuation of Simon Mignolet proves that squad chemistry is key for Jurgen Klopp

Back in January, it looked a certainty that Liverpool would be waving goodbye to the Belgian influence on their squad when the summer transfer window opened.

Simon Mignolet and Divock Origi had both just made their second starts of the campaign as the Reds suffered a 2-1 defeat at Wolves in the FA Cup third round.

And, with no more domestic cup games to come, it was not hard to imagine that neither man would feature again in 2018-19.

Of course, that was far from the case for Origi, who went on to cement legendary status with a flurry of crucial goals en route to Champions League success before the season’s end.

Now, instead of heading for the exit, the 24-year-old has committed his future to a renewed push for silverware by penning fresh terms this summer .

There was no such heartwarming redemption for Mignolet, however, the goalkeeper spending the remainder of the campaign on the bench watching Alisson Becker star.

Still, his future isn’t perhaps as clear as might be expected at the end of those difficult months, not least because nothing is ever straightforward in football.

Sources close to the player have told Standard Sport that he is keen to reignite his career this summer by moving on in search of regular football.

And they are aware of the sort of numbers required for Liverpool to open negotiations over bringing his six-year Anfield stint to a close.

But, while club chiefs are reluctant to publicly place a value on an asset they aren’t keen to sell, it is known that the £8million bid Crystal Palace are believed to be preparing would not be sufficient to bring them to the table.

That is because Jurgen Klopp views Mignolet as more than just a competent back-up to Alisson - he is a key element of the dressing-room chemistry that proved vital to last season’s European success.

James Milner echoed those sentiments in April when he said of his colleague: “Someone who hasn’t been spoken about much this season - Simon Mignolet.

“It’s incredible how he is around the training ground, he has the best attitude I’ve ever seen in my life.

“Every single day, he pushes himself and pushes Ali and the boys to improve. Nobody will ever speak about him in the press because he’s not on the field, but he’s been so important for us this season.”

As such, it would take not only a sizeable offer for Klopp to even countenance a departure, but also a strong indication from the Belgium international that is ready to leave.

Currently, neither of those things have materialised, meaning Liverpool have no reason to believe they need to begin a search for a new back-up goalkeeper any time soon.

And so, what once appeared to be the least complicated element of the club’s summer business now looks to have the potential to roll on until deadline day.