Jesper Lindstrom, who joined Napoli from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer, has revealed that he declined an offer from Liverpool in order to secure regular playing time in Italy.
The 23-year-old was strongly linked with a move to Liverpool during the summer transfer window, with Jurgen Klopp seeking midfield signings.
Lindstrom confirmed that he had the opportunity to join Anfield and admitted that it would have been a fascinating experience to play for the club he supports.
However, he prioritized his career and chose to move to Naples to ensure regular first-team action. In an interview with a Danish newspaper via Football Italia, Lindstrom said:
“It was Liverpool, and I am a Liverpool supporter, so it would’ve been a madly fascinating experience, but would it have been an intelligent move? If I don’t play, then I may as well sit in front of the TV and watch them play there while I am at a different club. I am at an age now where I have to play football.”
“This is why I think Napoli represents a good change. It is one of the best clubs in the world, and they said I will have many opportunities to play.”
Lindstrom’s journey started in the youth ranks of Brondby IF, and in the summer of 2021, he made a move to Eintracht Frankfurt.
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Since then, the Danish international has garnered considerable attention and established himself as a crucial player for the Bundesliga side. During his time in Germany, Lindstrom mostly operated as a number 10.
Now, he has joined the reigning Serie A champions, Napoli, in a £25 million transfer. Napoli had an impressive season under Luciano Spalletti last year, and the performance of the Serie A giants in the current campaign remains a topic of anticipation.
Liverpool faced significant departures in the summer, including Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Naby Keita, whose contracts expired in July. As a result, Klopp sought reinforcements for the midfield.
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Liverpool made signings like Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, and Ryan Gravenberch, providing them with a surplus of attack-minded midfield options.
However, what the team appears to lack is a long-term defensive midfielder, given that Endo is seen as a short-term solution and Stefan Bajcetic is still young and inexperienced.
Lindstrom could have been a valuable addition for Liverpool if he had not declined the proposed move, potentially addressing this midfield need.
