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In the summer of 2022, Liverpool’s recruitment team had their sights set on signing Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig, but Jurgen Klopp had other plans. The Reds’ boss pushed for the transfer of Darwin Nunez from Benfica, a move that has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike.
Source: empireofthekop.com
Nunez, who joined Liverpool for an initial £64m, has been a polarizing figure in the Premier League. With 33 goals and 17 assists in 92 matches, he has shown flashes of brilliance, but his wastefulness and lack of clinical edge have drawn criticism. His performance in the recent defeat to Everton, where he failed to convert multiple chances, has only added fuel to the fire.
Meanwhile, Nkunku, the French international, was coming off a sensational season with RB Leipzig, scoring 35 goals and providing 20 assists in 52 matches. He led Leipzig to victory in the DFB-Pokal and was named Bundesliga Player of the Season. Chelsea eventually signed him for £52m in 2023, but injuries have limited his appearances for the Blues.
Klopp’s decision to prioritize Nunez over Nkunku has raised questions about Liverpool’s recruitment strategy. The Times reports that Klopp was a huge believer in Nunez, and his departure this summer will leave the Uruguayan without one of his strongest allies at the club.
Nunez’s performances against Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-finals in 2022 may have swayed Klopp’s decision, but Nkunku’s impressive season with RB Leipzig makes one wonder what could have been if Liverpool had opted for the French forward instead. As the Reds’ title hopes dwindle, fans are left to ponder the what-ifs of Klopp’s transfer gamble.