Former Liverpool player who was made to feel like a ‘loser’ under Jurgen Klopp released as free agent

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Liverpool have made some big transfer calls in the last decade, some of which did not work out.

In the most recent transfer window, the Reds spent over £400m on players like Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Milos Kerkez.

There has been a suggestion that Kerkez is struggling at Anfield, while Wirtz was heavily criticised before a recent uptick in form.

Alexander Isak’s fightback can start today!

Alexander Isak in 24/25 matchday 1-14:

• 12 games
• 5 goals
• 3 assists

Alexander Isak in 24/25 matchday 15-21

• 9 games
• 10 goals
• 2 assists

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However, one player who failed to improve during a difficult spell has now become a free agent after leaving another team this week.

Christian Benteke on free agent market

Christian Benteke joined Liverpool in 2015 on the back of a prolific spell with Aston Villa.

He scored 49 goals and provided 12 assists in 101 matches for the Midlands outfit, catching the eyes of the Reds.

But his time at Anfield was disappointing and he left just one year later to sign for Crystal Palace.

Most recently, the Belgian was on the books of MLS side DC United, for whom he scored nine and assisted three across 25 matches during their latest season.

However, with the normal 2025 MLS campaign now over, the 35-year-old has this week confirmed via Instagram that he has become a free agent.

Taking to Instagram, Benteke said he is ‘grateful for the journey and ready for the next chapter’.

Why did Christian Benteke leave Liverpool

Benteke made 42 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions, scoring 10 and assisting six.

However, less than three months after his arrival, Jurgen Klopp became the Reds’ manager.

The German did not view Benteke as a first-choice option, which is part of the reason the striker departed.

Discussing his Liverpool exit in 2016, as quoted by the Mirror, he said: “When Klopp came in, given the players available to him … I wasn’t among his first choices.

“Given the way he wanted to play, perhaps there were more interesting players than me. But I’m not a child: I didn’t cry, I didn’t moan, even if of course I wanted to play. It was frustrating.

“You can’t allow yourself to give up, to stay in the situation of a loser, so you try to find a solution, to be happy. I found that by coming to Crystal Palace, and I’m happy today.”