Napoli’s new £25m midfielder Jesper Lindstrom explains why he rejected dream Liverpool transfer

Most football fans would snatch at the chance to play for their dream club – but one man turned down the opportunity to do just that.

That player is Danish midfielder Jesper Lindstrom, who was offered a move to the very club he supports, Premier League giants Liverpool.

Lindstrom signed for Napoli at the end of AugustGetty

But he could’ve been wearing the red of Liverpool this seasonGetty

The 23-year-old ended his time at Eintracht Frankfurt this summer, signing for Napoli for £25million on a five-year deal.

After scoring seven goals in 27 games for the Bundesliga outfit last term, the reigning Serie A giants snapped him up late in the transfer window – but Liverpool were also been interested in him, too.

The Reds offered Lindstrom the chance to play under Jurgen Klopp in their search for new midfielders following the departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.

Now, the Dane, who helped Frankfurt win the Europa League in 2022, has explained why he turned down his dream move.

Speaking to Danish outlet Tipsbladet, he said: “It was Liverpool, and I am a Liverpool supporter, so it would’ve been a madly fascinating experience, but would it have been an intelligent move?

“If I don’t play, then I may as well sit in front of the TV and watch them play there while I am at a different club.

“I am at an age now where I have to play football. This is why I think Napoli represents a good change.

“It is one of the best clubs in the world, and they said I will have many opportunities to play.”

Lindstrom chipped in with 14 goals and as many assists in 80 appearances for FrankfurtGetty

He helped German side Frankfurt win the Europa League in 2022Getty Images – Getty

Despite his love for Liverpool not being enough for him to sign for the Reds, being an avid football fan has helped Lindstrom in other ways, including him getting an understanding on how to adapt to his new life in Italy.

Lindstrom, who made his Napoli debut in Saturday’s defeat to Lazio, added: “It is not possible to walk the streets of the city, and this is also why many of the players live on the outskirts.

“You can’t go for a walk; you have to cover yourself up, because otherwise they attack you for selfies.

“I knew it would be like this, as there is only one club in Naples, everyone here grew up supporting Napoli, and it is all extreme.

“I can’t just go out for coffee. It’s different, but an amusing experience.”

Liverpool may not have secured Lindstrom’s services, but they did sign Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch to boost their midfield options.