Liverpool contact £13m Klopp obsession after Reds missed out in 2016

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Liverpool contacted Serie A giants Napoli on Monday in a bid to sign Jurgen Klopp’s long-time transfer target Piotr Zielinski at last, according to Calciomercato.

If you’re wondering whether the stylish Poland playmaker would suit the deep red hue of Liverpool, wonder no more.

In 2016, during Klopp’s first summer on Merseyside, the Anfield giants came oh-so close to sealing a deal for a talented little lock-picker who caught their eye with his thrusting, forward-thinking performances at the heart of Empoli’s midfield.

Zielinski was even spotted posing for photos in a Liverpool shirt at the time, only for the Reds’ £11.5 million bid to fall short.

Empoli would accept a £13 million offer from Napoli shortly after (Mirror).

But, five years on, Liverpool are looking to get back at their old transfer rivals by luring Zielinski away from the Stadio San Paolo.

Revenge is a dish best served in the transfer market, it seems.

The 27-year-old remains an obsession for Klopp, who spoke to Zielinski on the phone in an attempt to seal his signature just a few months after he took Brendan Rodgers’ place in the Anfield dugout (Guardian).

Zielinski would cost a darn sight more than £13 million these days, however, especially when you consider one of the most watchable and technically gifted footballers in Serie A still has three years left on his contract.

Will Zielinski head to Liverpool at last?

Liverpool informed Napoli of their interest on Monday, with Klopp turning that smile up to 11 in an attempt to beat Premier League rivals Manchester City to the signature of the 67-cap international.

“With Liverpool, there were advanced talks but it didn’t happen,” Zielinski would tell Sportowefakty after being unveiled by Napoli in 2016.

Liverpool’s long-time target would be expected to replace Gini Wijnaldum at Anfield, although there’s a feeling a player who has been on the verge of the elite for a number of years has yet to really deliver on his early promise.

“Zielinski is a player with pure technique. He can shake off his marker with a single touch. He’s unpredictable,” Poland legend Zbigniew Boniek said recently.

“If he scored more goals, Zielinski could become even better than (Kevin) De Bruyne. Piotr is capable of scoring in any way – and also to provide many assists.”