In a dramatic turn of events that could have reshaped Premier League history, Robert Lewandowski was on the brink of joining Manchester United before Jurgen Klopp stepped in. The former Borussia Dortmund manager reportedly blocked the move after receiving a phone call from an unnamed club executive.
The Polish striker, now a Barcelona star, was close to completing a transfer to Old Trafford during his time at Dortmund. However, according to sources close to the deal, a single conversation with a mysterious boss prompted Klopp to intervene and halt the proceedings.
Lewandowski's potential arrival at Manchester United would have added a world-class goalscorer to their ranks. At the time, Sir Alex Ferguson was still at the helm, and the club was actively seeking a long-term successor to the legendary striker role. The transfer seemed all but done, with personal terms reportedly agreed.
But Klopp, who was then Dortmund's manager, had other ideas. The phone call likely came from a figure within the Dortmund hierarchy, urging him to prevent the sale. Klopp, known for his fierce loyalty to his squad and club, acted swiftly to pull the plug on the deal.
This revelation sheds new light on the backroom maneuvers that shape football transfers. It underscores the influence of managers and executives in high-stakes negotiations, often behind closed doors. For United fans, it's a tantalizing glimpse of what might have been.
The exact identity of the boss who made the call remains unknown, but the impact is clear: Lewandowski stayed at Dortmund for another season before moving to Bayern Munich, where he became a Bundesliga legend. His later switch to Barcelona cemented his status as one of the game's greats.
This story serves as a reminder of the fine margins in football. One phone call can alter the trajectory of careers and clubs. While the full details may never emerge, the fact that Klopp intervened remains a fascinating footnote in transfer history.
Based on reporting from Mirror - Football.