Inter midfielder Piotr Zielinski has revealed how Jurgen Klopp once flew him in on a private jet, only for a dream move to Liverpool to fall through due to financial constraints.
The Poland international recounted how Klopp’s charm offensive centered around describing him as a blend of Cesc Fabregas and Ilkay Gundogan.
In the summer of 2016, Zielinski was being considered as one of Klopp’s first significant signings at Anfield, with Liverpool looking to secure the midfielder from Udinese before finalising the deal for Gini Wijnaldum.
During their discussions, Klopp emphasised Zielinski’s potential by comparing him to the legendary Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder Fabregas, as well as the current Manchester City star Gundogan.
Unfortunately, the deal fell through as it was reported that the Serie A side demanded too high a transfer fee.
Zielinski later opened up about his meeting with Klopp, sharing insights into their conversation regarding a potential move to Merseyside.
Speaking to Foot Truck in an interview, Zielinski said: “Jurgen Klopp invited me to his house. Liverpool sent a private jet to pick me up.
“Klopp told me that for him I am a mix between Fabregas and Gundogan.
“I didn’t understand anything, but then my agent, who spoke German, told me everything.
“When we were leaving I managed to take a photo with Klopp who was at the door and said goodbye.
“They were offering €18.5m, but Udinese wanted something more.
“However, Liverpool couldn’t cross a certain limit with me because I wasn’t a top player yet.
“The other side of the coin is that I didn’t feel like one either.”
Ultimately, Liverpool signed Wijnaldum from Newcastle United for around £25million, and the Netherlands midfielder went on to achieve great success with the Reds, winning the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League in 2020.
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