Max Kruse has revealed how a transfer to Liverpool collapsed in 2019 despite Jurgen Klopp calling him up to say he wanted to sign him

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp films the celebrations on his mobile phone after the UEFA Champions League Final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano (Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Getty Images)

Max Kruse has revealed how Jurgen Klopp once called him up because he wanted to sign the forward for Liverpool, only to later change his mind.

The 36-year-old joined Berlin District A side BSV Al-Dersimspor back in April, despite having announced his retirement the previous December after terminating his contract with SC Paderborn the month before.

While his professional career is now over, it was only five years ago when the Reds were interested in signing the Germany international.

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Then on the books of Werder Bremen, he was out of contract at the end of the 2018/19 season but enjoying a prolific campaign for the Bundesliga outfit as he returned 12 goals and 14 assists from just 36 games.

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The then-31-year-old’s form attracted the interest of Klopp, who was looking to sign a new back-up striker to support Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane and replace the departing Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi.

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But despite calling up his compatriot and holding transfer talks, the former Liverpool boss ultimately changed his mind following the Reds’ Champions League win over Tottenham Hotspur.

While Sturridge would still leave the club at the end of his contract that summer, Origi signed an extension after memorably netting against both Barcelona and Spurs to help Liverpool win their sixth European Cup.

As a result, Klopp ended his interest in Kruse, who went on to sign for Fenerbahce on a free transfer instead.

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The 36-year-old admits he had no interest in signing a contract extension with Werder Bremen after learning of Liverpool’s interest, and has revealed what he sent to Klopp after the transfer did not go ahead.

“In February or March 2019 I got a phone call from Jürgen Klopp,” he said on the Flatterball podcast, which he runs alongside former Werder Bremen striker Martin Harnik, as quoted by Deichstube.

Max Kruse and Mario Goetze of battle for the ball during the Bundesliga match between SV Werder Bremen and Borussia Dortmund

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“It’s the truth!

Back then, Liverpool was delayed until the Champions League final.

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“After that, they wanted to keep the transfer candidate Divock Origi.

At the time he would claim he had turned down the Reds, but he had already since revealed that it was actually the club’s decision.

“During the transfer period, I've received lots of offers and one of them was Liverpool.

Every now and then I send him a photo from vacation!"

Meanwhile, Kruse was also quoted on the failed transfer by En Son Hober in December 2022 as he admitted how upset he had been to see the transfer collapse.

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“We had been on the phone with Jurgen Klopp since February,” he explained.
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