One of Liverpool’s summer targets may be regretting his decision to snub the Reds after enduring a tough start to life at his new club. Jesper Lindstrom, who is a Liverpool supporter, turned down the opportunity to move to Anfield in order to sign for Napoli two months ago.
The 23-year-old reportedly emerged as a target for Liverpool after impressing in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt, although the move never came about despite the Reds’ best efforts. He ultimately ended up joining Napoli after concluding that he would have more opportunities to play regular football there.
“It was Liverpool, and I am a Liverpool supporter, so it would’ve been a madly fascinating experience,” Lindstrom told Tipsbladet after making the switch to Napoli.
“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.”
It seems as though Lindstrom might be wondering what might have been if he had chosen to join Liverpool, with the midfielder having struggled for game time at Napoli in recent weeks. He has only managed three appearances in Serie A so far this season, playing in just 22 per cent of the available minutes.
Lindstrom is also yet to provide a single goal or assist for his new club and will certainly be hoping to get going as quickly as possible. He was recently singled out for criticism by Napoli boss Rudi Garcia, who said that he needs to do more on the pitch if he wants to nail down a regular starting spot for the Italian champions.
“He arrived late so it’s not easy to settle in,” said Garcia when quizzed on Lindstrom’s lack of playing time earlier this week.
“We play differently from Eintracht who used to sit back and counter-attack. He is getting accustomed to our tactics, he can play on the wing or behind a centre forward, but he must do more when he is involved. He needs time to work and I do all I can to help him.”
It remains to be seen if Lindstrom will be able to work his way into contention at Napoli, who could do with some extra help in midfield after making a slow start to the new season. The reigning champions are currently third, four points behind early leaders Inter Milan, after seven matches and will be desperate for Lindstrom and their other new signings to find their feet as soon as possible.
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