Inside Zielinski’s Transfer Journey from Liverpool’s Pitch to Inter’s Promise | OneFootball

Piotr Zielinski: A Near Miss for Liverpool and a Gain for Inter Milan

In the world of football transfers, few names have echoed louder in recent times than Piotr Zielinski. The Polish midfielder’s move to Inter Milan marked the end of a summer filled with speculation and interest from some of Europe’s most prominent clubs, including the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal. For the fans of these clubs, the story of how Zielinski almost donned the red of Liverpool or the blue of Arsenal is a compelling one.

Zielinski’s Italian Journey

After eight years with Napoli, Zielinski had firmly established himself as one of Serie A’s most versatile and creative midfielders. His tenure at Napoli showcased his talent, with the Polish international becoming known for his vision, ball control, and the ability to dictate play from the middle of the park. Unsurprisingly, his consistent performances didn’t go unnoticed, with Liverpool and other Premier League giants showing genuine interest in securing his services during the summer transfer window.

Zielinski’s recent interview with The Foot Truck YouTube channel sheds light on just how close he came to making the switch to Anfield. Reflecting on the transfer period, Zielinski confirmed Liverpool’s substantial interest, revealing that they even arranged a private jet for him to visit Jurgen Klopp in Florence. “Liverpool sent a private jet to Florence for me and I flew with my agent,” he shared, underscoring how intent the Reds were on bringing him to Merseyside.

Klopp’s Persuasive Charm

In an industry driven by numbers and contracts, personal connections can often sway a player’s decision. Klopp, known for his charisma and influence, personally hosted Zielinski and his agent at his home, hoping to impress upon him the project at Liverpool. Zielinski recounted, “We drove up to Klopp’s house afterwards, we had a great conversation… He said that for him I was a mix of [Ilkay] Gundogan and [Cesc] Fabregas.” In an era where the tactical role of a midfielder is pivotal, this comparison highlighted the value Klopp saw in Zielinski.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool, for their part, clearly recognised Zielinski’s ability to slot seamlessly into their squad, seeing him as a crucial addition who could bring a new level of creativity to their midfield. For a team competing on multiple fronts, the need for depth and versatility is paramount, and Klopp’s willingness to invest time and effort into the meeting speaks to his admiration for Zielinski’s potential.

Arsenal and Barcelona – Other Suitors Left Waiting

While Liverpool appeared to be leading the chase, they weren’t the only club eager to sign the Polish star. Arsenal also made a substantial push, with Zielinski confirming that the Gunners had come close to making the transfer a reality. “Arsenal were closer to realisation than Barcelona because De Laurentiis didn’t want a few boys from La Masia in return,” Zielinski explained, detailing how Napoli’s president blocked a potential deal with Barcelona.

Zielinski’s words highlight the tactical game of chess that often unfolds during transfers, with clubs negotiating trade-offs that sometimes fall apart over small details. Arsenal, too, would have valued Zielinski’s versatility, given Mikel Arteta’s penchant for tactical flexibility and player rotations. In North London, Zielinski could have formed an exciting partnership with Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice, potentially transforming Arsenal’s midfield options.

Future in Milan

Ultimately, Zielinski decided to stay in Italy, swapping the blue of Napoli for the black and blue of Inter Milan. The pull of the familiar and the chance to compete for the Serie A title under the guidance of a club that values his experience proved too strong. “Coach [Luciano] Spalletti took me aside once and asked me what was going on, and I said I would rather stay, fight for the championship,” Zielinski recalled, referencing his conversations with his former Napoli manager.

With his decision made, Zielinski now represents a new force in Inter Milan’s midfield, already proving himself to be a critical figure for Vitor Bruno’s side. While the allure of the Premier League is undeniable, Zielinski’s commitment to Serie A is evident, as he continues to thrive in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.