While serving as Liverpool’s manager, Jurgen Klopp made only a handful of errors. The German was a savvy operator in the transfer market, and he ensured that the Reds were playing world-class football on the field. There is little to criticize about his nearly nine-year tenure in the Anfield dugout.
Nevertheless, his failure to acquire Alexander Isak was a mistake that could potentially reverberate with his former employers. Liverpool’s ‘dream’ acquisition this summer has been characterized as Newcastle United’s talisman; however, negotiations are reportedly complex.
Isak’s ascension to the status of one of the most exceptional strikers in the world of football has presented challenges for prospective employers. If the Magpies are to relinquish their cherished asset in the near future, they will require substantial compensation. Transfer fees exceeding £100 million have been proposed.
The Swede could have been playing at Anfield on a consistent basis in an alternate reality. According to Sky Sports, Liverpool expressed interest in signing Isak in 2022 while he was a player for Real Sociedad. At the very least, the recruitment team succeeded.
The decision to strike was made by the Reds prior to the players reaching elite levels during Klopp’s initial years at the club. Refer to Virgil van Dijk, Sadio Mane, and Mohamed Salah. Nevertheless, the German manager had other intentions, despite the preferences of the decision-makers on Merseyside who were considering a move for Isak.
He even achieved his own desired outcome. Klopp and his assistant manager at the time, Pep Ljinders, advocated for the Reds to recruit Darwin Nunez, a forward from Benfica, instead. The club was reportedly uncertain about whether the Uruguayan was the appropriate fit, and Klopp was even advised against bringing Nunez to England.
Nevertheless, Liverpool’s apprehensions were disregarded, and they proceeded with the acquisition of Nunez. In three full campaigns, the 25-year-old has only scored 40 goals, falling short of Klopp’s expectations. In contrast, Isak has been a revelation since relocating to Newcastle, scoring 22 more goals in 40 fewer appearances.
Without the need for much assistance from Nunez or centre-forward alternative Diogo Jota, Arne Slot’s team easily secured the 2024-25 Premier League title. One can only fathom the extraordinary heights to which the Reds would have ascended had Isak been the individual who wore the number nine at the club.
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