Liverpool have earned a reputation for savvy dealings in the transfer market. The Reds are one of the most respected operators when it comes to recruitment and the club’s net spend is a huge part of that. Sometimes it’s the deals that you don’t do which need to be applauded. Liverpool got it right not signing Nicolas Pepe with Arsenal reportedly regretting the move.
Liverpool and Nicolas Pepe
The summer of 2019 was one which saw a protracted transfer saga in the Premier League.
Two clubs were reportedly wrestling over the future of one of Ligue 1’s hottest properties.
Reports were coming out daily linking Liverpool with Nicolas Pepe.
The Ivorian winger had just scored 22 and assisted 11 for Lille and was destined for a move as a result.
However, Goal claimed that Liverpool interest in Pepe was minimal despite reports to the contrary in France.
Arsenal regret signing Nicolas Pepe
The transfer saga was ended when Arsenal signed Nicolas Pepe for a club record £72m.
Unfortunately for the Gunners he has failed to repeat his Ligue 1 form in the Premier League.
In his first campaign he scored just five goals in the league and he has started this season poorly, WhoScored has given him a rating of just 6.45.
According to a report in The Mirror, Arsenal are regretting the megabucks signing.
What RTK has to say
Liverpool not signing Pepe appears to be a bullet dodged.
The Reds don’t like to spend huge sums, particularly when they aren’t certain.
At £72m Pepe would’ve been a costly mistake.
Though, we can’t predict how he would’ve performed at Liverpool.
Perhaps playing under a world class manager would’ve seen Pep hit new heights.