Liverpool transfer targets speak out on failed £75.5m moves - 'Do I regret it'

Werner reflects on nearly joining Liverpool in 2020 instead of Chelsea, saying he has no regrets but acknowledges Klopp's style might have suited him better.

Timo Werner has opened up about how close he came to signing for Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp in 2020, when he had a £47.5m release clause at RB Leipzig. The German forward ultimately chose Chelsea instead, citing the club's financial constraints during the pandemic as a factor in Liverpool's withdrawal from the race.

Werner won the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup and European Super Cup at Chelsea but struggled in the Premier League, scoring just 10 goals in two seasons before returning to Leipzig for £25.3m. Reflecting on the decision, Werner admitted he sometimes wonders what might have been, particularly regarding playing style. "Maybe if I would play at Liverpool or a different team, I would have more of that, like these counter situations," he said. "Do I regret it? Maybe, but not really."

The article also references other Liverpool transfer targets who got away, including Ismaila Sarr from Crystal Palace (£50m enquiry rejected) and midfielders Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, who both chose Chelsea over the Reds.