Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was behind the transfer of Lucas Leiva to Galatasaray not going ahead according to football agent Metin Korkmaz.
Lucas wanted the move but Klopp reportedly blocked the deal following a series of injuries to his defensive players.
The Lions used Metin Korkmaz as one of their intermediaries to help push broke through a deal after talks reached an advanced stage.
“Klopp was behind the transfer hitting the rocks, he wants Lucas to stay and the player had to listen,” Kormaz said.
“If it was up to Lucas he would have made the transfer.”
Galatasaray sporting director Levent Nazifoglu revealed that Lucas was on the verge of joining the club until Liverpool pulled the plug on the deal.
“We are no longer pursuing Lucas Leiva, we will continue efforts to sign alternative names instead,” Nazifoglu was quoted as saying by Turkish-football.com.
Lucas missed the 4-3 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates in the opening game of the season due to not yet recovering from his hamstring strain.
The experienced Liverpool manager was on the verge of joining Besiktas last summer but an almost identical set of events in terms of injuries to defensive players resulted in former manager Brendan Rodgers blocking the transfer.
Galatasaray would have guaranteed Lucas – who has just a year remaining on his contract – first team football this season and an attractive wage packet.
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