Liverpool was reportedly on the brink of a major transfer coup in 2023 when they pursued Napoli’s Eljif Elmas, but Italy manager and former Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti had other plans. In a transfer saga that captured the attention of football fans worldwide, Elmas was primed for a $33 million move to Liverpool. However, Spalletti’s admiration for the Macedonian midfielder proved to be a decisive factor in blocking the deal, leaving both Liverpool and Elmas in a tense standoff.
Spalletti’s Admiration for Eljif Elmas
Napoli’s then-manager, Luciano Spalletti, viewed Eljif Elmas as a key part of his squad during the 2022-23 season, even going so far as to call him “the light of my eyes.” Spalletti’s deep admiration for the 24-year-old midfielder was evident throughout the campaign, as Elmas played a crucial role in helping Napoli secure their first Serie A title in over three decades.
Elmas, who joined Napoli in 2019, had become a reliable figure for the club, amassing 173 appearances in his first four seasons. His versatility and ability to perform under pressure made him a valuable asset in Spalletti’s squad. The 2022-23 season, in particular, saw Elmas shine as Napoli triumphed in Serie A, with Spalletti’s trust in him never wavering.
Liverpool’s Pursuit: Klopp’s Personal Interest in Elmas
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had a clear vision for the future of the club’s midfield as they entered the 2023-24 season. Following a string of departures, including Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and James Milner, Klopp was ready to rebuild. His interest in Elmas, according to reports, began as early as December 2022.
Klopp personally reached out to Elmas to express Liverpool’s interest. Elmas, who was gaining widespread recognition for his performances, was seen as an ideal fit for Liverpool’s evolving midfield. The club had already begun preparations for a summer overhaul, bringing in names like Alexis Mac Allister, Dominic Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, and Wataru Endo to fill the void left by their departing stars.
However, despite Liverpool’s readiness to offer $33 million (30 million euros) to secure the Macedonian midfielder, the deal hit a significant roadblock. Napoli’s president, Aurelio de Laurentiis, backed by Spalletti’s strong opposition, refused to sell Elmas.
Spalletti’s Refusal to Let Go
In his report, Corriere dello Sport highlighted Spalletti’s devotion to Elmas. The newspaper quoted Spalletti as describing Elmas as “the light of my eyes,” a clear indication of how integral the midfielder was to his system at Napoli. Despite Liverpool’s lucrative offer, both Spalletti and de Laurentiis remained firm and determined in their stance. Napoli’s refusal to let go of their prized midfielder ensured that the deal never materialized, much to Liverpool’s frustration.
For Spalletti, Elmas was not just another player—he was a symbol of Napoli’s future success. His ability to seamlessly switch between attacking and defensive duties made him invaluable to the Italian manager. With Napoli aiming for domestic and European glory, Spalletti could not afford to lose such a key figure at a pivotal point in their journey.
A Successful 2022-23 Campaign for Napoli and Elmas
Spalletti’s decision to keep Elmas proved to be the right one, as Napoli enjoyed one of their most successful seasons in recent history. The club secured the 2022-23 Serie A title, marking their first league triumph since the Diego Maradona era in 1990. Elmas, with his consistent performances, played a critical role in this achievement.
While Elmas may have been tempted by the allure of Premier League football and the opportunity to work with Klopp, the success he experienced with Napoli cannot be understated. Winning Serie A was a historic moment for the club, and Elmas was at the heart of it all.
Elmas’ Move to RB Leipzig in 2024
However, the 2023 summer also marked a turning point for both Napoli and Elmas. After Spalletti’s departure at the end of the season, Elmas’ status at the club began to change. The new manager, Rudi Garcia, did not value Elmas as highly, and by the time the January 2024 transfer window arrived, the midfielder was looking for an exit.
Elmas eventually secured a move to RB Leipzig in Germany during the January 2024 window, ending his five-year stint in Italy. The transfer marked a new chapter in his career, where he now aims to make his mark in the Bundesliga.
For Liverpool, missing out on Elmas may have been a blow, but the club managed to sign several other midfield reinforcements to carry them through the 2023-24 season. Klopp’s vision of a rejuvenated midfield, though not featuring Elmas, was still realized with the arrival of Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, and Endo.
Conclusion: What Could Have Been for Liverpool and Elmas
The transfer saga of Eljif Elmas is a fascinating “what if” moment in recent football history. If Spalletti had not been at the helm of Napoli, Elmas might have found himself wearing Liverpool’s famous red jersey. Klopp’s personal interest and Liverpool’s substantial offer showed just how highly the Macedonian was regarded by one of the Premier League’s top clubs.
But fate, in the form of Luciano Spalletti, had other plans. Elmas stayed at Napoli, helping them secure a historic Serie A title, before eventually moving on to RB Leipzig. As for Liverpool, they continue to build under Klopp’s guidance, with their new midfield additions shaping the future of the club.
In other News: Liverpool’s pursuit of Elmas wasn’t the only transfer saga in 2023. Check out our article on Napoli’s shock refusal to sell Victor Osimhen to Chelsea here.
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Source: Liverpool.com
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