In 2019, Jurgen Klopp was on the verge of signing German striker Max Kruse for Liverpool, but a dramatic turn of events involving Divock Origi altered the course of that potential transfer. Klopp, who was seeking a reliable backup for his star-studded attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mane, had identified Kruse, who was then playing for Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga, as a strong candidate to fill that role.
Liverpool was preparing for a summer of change in their forward line, with the likely departures of strikers Daniel Sturridge, Danny Ings, and possibly Origi. Kruse seemed poised to step in as a backup option, and discussions had progressed to the point where Klopp personally reached out to Kruse. The German international revealed that he had a conversation with Klopp in February or March of 2019, during which Klopp expressed his interest in bringing Kruse to Anfield. Klopp mentioned that Liverpool was planning to let go of two strikers and saw Kruse as a suitable backup for the team's dynamic front three.
However, the trajectory of Kruse's potential move to Liverpool was drastically altered by a pivotal moment in the Champions League final at the end of the 2018-19 season. Origi, who had been on the fringes of Liverpool’s squad, scored a decisive goal in the 87th minute of the final, securing a 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. That goal not only sealed Liverpool’s sixth European Cup but also convinced Klopp to retain Origi instead of letting him leave the club.
As a result, Origi was rewarded with a new contract, and Kruse's dream of playing at Anfield was effectively dashed. Reflecting on the situation, Kruse noted how close he came to joining Liverpool and how the events of that final match played a crucial role in changing the course of his career. Kruse’s story highlights the unpredictable nature of football, where a single moment can have far-reaching consequences for players and clubs alike.
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