π¨ TRANSFER FLASHBACK: Klopp Rejected Isak in 2022 β Opted for Nunez Instead!
In a twist of fate, Liverpoolβs recruitment team had Alexander Isak lined up in 2022, but Jurgen Klopp and Pep Lijnders pushed for Darwin Nunez β a decision that is now under heavy scrutiny.
Key points:
Back in 2022, while Isak was dazzling at Real Sociedad, Liverpoolβs scouts saw him as the ideal striker.
Klopp and Lijnders overruled the recommendation, going all-in on Darwin Nunez after he impressed against them at Benfica, costing the club Β£64 million.
Fast forward to 2025:
Isak has become one of Europeβs elite forwards, with 20 Premier League goals this season, behind only Salah and Haaland.
Meanwhile, Nunez has slid to third-choice striker, with erratic finishing and decision-making holding him back.
His Liverpool career is expected to end this summer, with clubs in Spain and Italy interested.
Liverpool are now trying to fix the mistake:
Reports say Isak is a top summer target, but Newcastle want well over Β£100 million.
Arsenal are also lurking.
Eintracht Frankfurtβs Hugo Ekitike is seen as a more affordable plan B.
Verdict?
A rare Klopp misstep. The recruitment team had it right. Isak couldβve been Anfieldβs crown jewel β now he might return, but at a much higher price.
