Jurgen Klopp sent private jet to sign 'Fabregas and Gundogan hybrid' but instead landed Liverpool legend

10/14/2024 08:34 AM

Jurgen Klopp may have failed to sign Piotr Zielinski in 2016, but the player he turned to instead proved more than adequate.

After taking charge of Liverpool in 2015, the charismatic manager immediately set about rebuilding his team, and identified the Polish star as one of his top targets to shape his midfield around.

In his first summer transfer window at the club, Klopp was incredibly keen on bringing Zielinski to Anfield, having been impressed by his performances during his two years on loan at Empoli from Udinese.

His combination of creativity and athleticism made him an ideal candidate for the German manager’s engine room, who favoured box-to-box style midfielders in his dynamic sides.

Liverpool were among several clubs vying for the then 22-year-old’s services, with Manchester United, Barcelona and West Ham all also said to be interested.

Despite being pictured wearing a Reds shirt on Polish TV, and a rumoured £11.75million bid from the club, Zielinski ultimately opted to remain in Italy, joining Napoli in a deal worth €16m.

And the 30-year-old has now revealed the lengths Klopp went to in an attempt to secure his services in 2016.

Speaking to Polish YouTube channel, Foot Truck, he recalled: "Jurgen Klopp invited me to his house.

“Liverpool sent a private jet to pick me up. I was shocked because it was the first time I travelled on that means of transport. 

“When we landed, we [he and his agent] took the bus to go to Klopp's. It was a building, he had everything there.”

Zielinski then revealed the high praise Klopp had for him, as he detailed negotiations: “The conversation was great.

“Klopp told me that I am a mix between [Cesc] Fabregas and [Ilkay] Gundogan in his opinion.

“I didn't understand anything, but my agent spoke German and told me everything. When we were leaving, I managed to take a picture with Klopp."

And while Klopp may have been disappointed after failing to land his top target, this would surely have only been short lived.

In Zielinski’s place came Georginio Wijnaldum, with the Reds boss turning to the then Newcastle midfielder to bolster his midfield ranks that same summer.

After signing for an initial £23m, the Dutchman went on to establish himself as a key player in a Klopp side that would finally take Liverpool back to the very top of world football.

During his five years on Merseyside, Wijnaldum made 237 appearances as he won the Champions League, Premier League and Club World Cup.

His role in his side’s run to European glory in 2018 will never be forgotten by fans.

The Netherlands international scored twice in an historic 4-0 semi-final second leg win over Barcelona, as the Reds overturned a 3-0 defeat in the first leg to reach the final.

After announcing his departure in 2021 ahead of a move to Paris Saint-Germain, Klopp hailed Wijnaldum’s impact on the club.

Speaking to Liverpool’s website, the legendary manager said of his exit: “It was difficult for all of us because of how much this astonishing person means to the group.

“He's been a big part of our lives for so long. There is nothing I won't miss about him.

“I will miss the player he is like crazy – highest-quality ability, one of the smartest players I have ever had the privilege to coach. His contribution was off the scale, a manager's dream.”

Klopp, who departed Liverpool in May, finished by adding: "Farewell, Gini: you came, you saw, you won the lot. You're a Liverpool legend now and forever."

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