Jurgen Klopp rarely made mistakes during his successful tenure as Liverpool manager. Known for his sharp eye in the transfer market and ability to produce top-tier performances on the pitch, his nearly nine-year spell at Anfield left little room for criticism.
However, one notable decision that might now be seen as a misstep was opting not to bring Alexander Isak to the club. Currently a star at Newcastle United, Isak has been labeled as Liverpool’s ideal transfer target this summer. Still, acquiring him would be challenging due to his high market value—rumored to exceed £100 million.
Why Klopp Passed on Isak
Back in 2022, when Isak was still playing for Real Sociedad, Liverpool’s recruitment team expressed strong interest in signing him, according to Sky Sports. At the time, Liverpool had a track record of securing future stars before they hit their peak—just as they had done with Salah, Mané, and van Dijk.
However, Klopp and his then-assistant Pep Lijnders were not convinced. Instead, they prioritized a move for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez. Despite internal concerns over whether Nunez was the right choice, Klopp’s preference won out, and Liverpool proceeded with the signing.
Nunez, now 25, has delivered only modest results—scoring 40 goals across three seasons. Isak, on the other hand, has thrived at Newcastle, scoring 22 more goals than Nunez despite playing 40 fewer matches.
What Could Have Been
Under new manager Arne Slot, Liverpool clinched the 2024–25 Premier League title with minimal contributions from either Nunez or Diogo Jota. With Isak leading the line instead, it’s tempting to wonder just how much further the Reds might have gone.
