Jurgen Klopp has likened Newcastle’s takeover to the Super League plot.
The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia assumed majority control at St James’ Park in a £300 million deal last week following a three-year delay.
But the Magpies’ protracted buyout under the sovereign wealth fund chaired by Mohammed bin Salman has led to widespread consternation in football.
Chief among the concerns is Saudi Arabia’s appalling human rights record, which includes the sanctioned murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.
And Klopp believes that Newcastle’s fresh injection of funding is comparable with the failed attempt to launch a European Super League in mid-April.
Liverpool were one of six Premier League clubs to sign up for the 12-team breakaway before reneging just 48 hours later amid strong fan backlash.
“I was actually waiting for some official statements about it, like from [Premier League CEO] Richard Masters or somebody else,” said Klopp.
“Because we all know there are obviously some concerns about human rights issues. I think that is all clear. We all think the same here.
“It did not happen in the first place and that is still the situation.
“What will it mean for football? A few months ago we had a massive issue. with 12 clubs trying to build a Super League and rightly so, it didn’t happen.
“This is trying to create a super-team, if you want. It is pretty much the same.”
Klopp also offered a note of caution that Newcastle’s shift in fortunes will not be a breakneck phenomenon for the currently relegation-threatened club.
He added: “It will not happen overnight.
“Newcastle is not safe yet in the league, and that would slow down the process for sure!
“But we know that there are people out there whose football knowledge is big enough.
“There will be some changes to the structure, things like this. It’s a massive project.”