Liverpool rejected by attacking star as Reds ‘fan’ reveals why he turned back on Klopp
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp
Liverpool were in contention to sign Jesper Lindstrom this summer, the new Napoli player has revealed in an interview.
Lindstrom recently joined the reigning Serie A champions from Eintracht Frankfurt after attracting widespread interest thanks to his performances in the Bundesliga. He signed a five-year deal with Napoli towards the end of August.
Before he made that move, the attacking midfielder was linked with Liverpool and various other suitors. Now, he has confirmed he had the chance to join Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Interestingly, he has revealed that he supports Liverpool – but didn’t think he would get enough gametime there.
Speaking to Tipsbladet, he said: “There was Liverpool after all, but would I get playing time? Would it be smart to go to Liverpool?
“I’m a Liverpool fan, it says it everywhere. So it could also be an insanely cool experience. But if I’m not playing, I might as well sit and watch them on TV for another club.
“I’m at an age now where I have to play some football.
“That’s why I think Napoli is a good change. It is a top club in the world and they have expressed that I will play and I will get a lot of chances.”
Liverpool may yet have attacking vacancy
Lindstrom’s Serie A debut came over the weekend, when he was substituted on in a loss to Lazio. He was briefly tasked with operating on the right wing, which is ironically a position that Liverpool might soon have a vacancy in.
Indeed, the Reds are fending off interest from Al-Ittihad in Mohamed Salah, who is now the subject of a bid that would break the world transfer record.
Liverpool’s stance is that they still expect to keep Salah, but if he leaves, most of the attackers that would remain in their squad favour operating in different roles in the frontline.
They may have to enter the January market for a replacement on the right flank, but Lindstrom is someone who will now be out of reach because of his recent move. After all, he made a handful of appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt in August, so even if things don’t work out for him in Naples, he wouldn’t be allowed to change clubs again in the winter.
Right now, there is enthusiasm for the new challenge that awaits the Denmark international. Part of a squad defending the Serie A title and competing in the Champions League, he will be eager to make an impression to justify his choice as he acclimatises to Italian football.
