Player who had Liverpool move agreed in 2019 can now be signed for free, 162 career goals

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Liverpool came very close to signing Max Kruse back in 2019, before Divock Origi‘s heroics against Barcelona scuppered the deal.

That was according to the Germany international himself, as he told the Spieltagssiegerbesieger – Der Kickbase podcast that a move to Anfield as Origi’s replacement was pretty much “fixed” until the Belgian saved his Liverpool career.

Kruse said: “In my opinion, it was relatively fixed. (Liverpool) actually wanted to give up two strikers, then one of the strikers scored goals in the Champions League semi-final and final. Then it was over. At that moment it was disappointing.”

Now, there has been an interesting development in the German’s career.

What’s the story?

Well, Kruse eventually joined VfL Wolfsburg back in January, although he can now be signed for free after he and the Bundesliga side mutually agreed to terminate his contract on Monday.

The 34-year-old made five appearances in Germany’s top-flight before suffering a torn muscle, which saw him miss VfL Wolfsburg’s last ten Bundesliga matches before yesterday’s decision to part ways.

Kruse – who has scored 162 career goals – is now available to be signed for free, although his injury means any side who snap him up will be taking a gamble, especially given his age.

Max Kruse surely wishes Liverpool move happened

As Kruse admits, he was “disappointed” to see his move to Anfield collapse.

Now, the German surely kicks himself that things didn’t work out as planned.

Kruse has played for some excellent sides throughout his career, including Borussia Monchengladbach, Werder Bremen, VfL Wolfsburg and Fenerbahce, although Liverpool would have been the best of the bunch by far.

Under his fellow countryman in Jürgen Klopp, playing alongside stars such as Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, Kruse could have made a real impact in English football with his technical ability and finishing skills.

Sadly for him, Origi spoiled things by salvaging his own Liverpool career, and Kruse will surely be thinking ‘what if’ after VfL Wolfsburg terminated his contract.