Arsenal's former head of scouting, Sven Mislintat, played a hidden role in Liverpool defender Nat Phillips' move to Stuttgart last month.
The central defender made the season-long loan move to the Bundelsiga II outfit in August, and Mislintat has revealed it was his special relationship with Jurgen Klopp which helped get the deal over the line.
Mislintat was announced as the second tier side's sporting director earlier this year, after spells with both Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund.
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The 46-year-old worked as chief scout for Dortmund during Klopp's seven-year tenure, and later spent 14 months in a similar role at the Emirates.
Speaking to Sport Bild, the German admitted: "My relationship with Jurgen played a part in this transfer.
"After Marcin Kaminski's injury, we dealt with the topic on the short service route; 'Can this make sense?'
"We were able to hire a very good centre-back, who was not included in Liverpool’s squad."
When asked whether the Champions League winning coach actively approached him, Mislintat said: "Of course we knew the player. But Klopp came up to me and then we discussed how this change could suit all parties."
The Bolton-born defender, who accepted opportunities would be limited in the Reds' backline, has made four appearances for Stuttgart this season.
With Tim Walter's side currently sitting in first place, as the recently relegated side push for a Bundesliga return.
