Liverpool ‘will move into their new £50m training ground next month’ as Jurgen Klopp gives the green light for switch to Kirkby after delays to construction caused by coronavirus
- Liverpool will finally move into their new £50million training base next month
- Coronavirus halted the club’s plans to make the switch at the end of last season
- The complex is now ready and Jurgen Klopp is keen to move his team across
- The state-of-the-art facility includes two gyms a pool and three outdoor pitches
Liverpool will finally leave Melwood and move into their new £50million training ground in Kirkby next month, according to reports.
The Reds were due to make the switch at the end of last season but delays to construction, caused by coronavirus and social distancing measures, held up the move.
The club sold Melwood for £10m but ensured they had the option to stay for the 2020-2021 campaign in the event of unforeseen circumstances. According to The Athletic, Jurgen Klopp approved the decision to make the move mid-season with the manager keen for it to happen during the next international break.
Liverpool are finally set to make the move to their new £50million training base in Kirkby
The club were due to move at the end of last season but were delayed because of coronavirus
Work resumed in May and the complex is now ready for Jurgen Klopp’s side to make the move
That could mean Liverpool’s clash with Manchester City on November 8 will be the final game where preparations take place at Melwood.
Liverpool announced their intention to move to Kirkby, where the academy are currently based, in 2017 with Klopp feeling constrained by the lack of space at Melwood.
Work started in 2018 and was close to completion before the pandemic put a stop to things in March. Construction resumed in May and the complex is now ready for the Premier League champions to move-in.
The Liverpool boss is hoping his side can make the switch during the next international break
The state-of-the-art facility includes two gyms, a swimming pool and three outdoor pitches
The Athletic report that captain Jordan Henderson and James Milner were involved in the design process of the 9,200-square-metre complex while Klopp ensured a padel court was built for his pre-training session battles with assistant Pep Lijnders.
The state-of-the-art facility includes three GrassMaster hybrid pitches, two gyms, a sports hall, swimming pool, hydrotherapy complex and specialist sports rehabilitation suites.
There are also TV studios and press conference facilities as well as offices.
The move means the first team and youth set-ups will be brought together but there are no plans to include Vicky Jepson’s women’s team, who currently train at Tranmere Rovers’ Solar Campus base.
Melwood has been Liverpool’s home for the last 60 years but will be turned into houses once the Reds have moved out.
There are also TV studios and press conference rooms as well as a number of offices
Construction work began in 2018 and was close to completion before being halted in March
The first team and youth set-ups will be together but the women’s team will not make the move