They made him go on a private plane to Liverpool, but his signing never materialized

In the summer of 2016, when Jürgen Klopp had just taken over the reins at Liverpool, the English club embarked on an ambitious transfer mission: to bring Piotr Zieliński, then a player from Udinese, to Anfield. The operation, which promised to be the first major signing for the new German coach, involved an unprecedented effort on Liverpool's part, but ultimately fell through due to financial differences.

A Private Flight and a Meeting with Klopp

To show their genuine interest in the talented Polish midfielder, Liverpool spared no resources. The club sent a private plane to Italy to transport Zieliński to Merseyside, where he would have the opportunity to meet Klopp in person and discuss the details of a possible transfer. This gesture demonstrated Liverpool's determination to secure the signing of the player and the importance they attached to the sporting project they were building.

Stalled Negotiations and an Unfulfilled Dream

However, despite the mutual interest and the effort made by both parties, the negotiations between Liverpool and Udinese did not come to fruition. The economic differences between the valuations of both clubs proved insurmountable, and the transfer was frustrated. Zieliński, who had shown great enthusiasm for the possibility of playing under Klopp, had to stay in Italy.

A Twist of Fate

The failure to sign Zieliński was a hard blow for Liverpool, who saw in the Pole a key player to strengthen their midfield. However, the club did not give up and continued working on the search for other reinforcements. Although Zieliński did not arrive at Anfield at that time, his name was engraved in the history of the club as one of the great signings that were close to being completed.

The Legacy of That Negotiation

Even though the transfer did not materialise, that summer of 2016 left an indelible mark on Liverpool's history. The club's determination to sign Zieliński and the effort made to convince him demonstrated the ambition of Klopp's project. In addition, this episode served to put Zieliński on the radar of the big European clubs and consolidate his reputation as one of the best midfielders of his generation.

The case of Piotr Zieliński and Liverpool is a clear example of how negotiations in the transfer market can be complex and subject to numerous factors. Even though the transfer did not take place, the story of this attempted signing is still remembered by Liverpool fans as an important chapter in the club's history.