Former Liverpool target and German international striker Max Kruse has suffered an unexpected downfall, with the player struggling to find a new team.
Kruse's contract was terminated at Wolfsburg in November after he struggled to get regular minutes in the team. Since becoming a free agent, he has been turned down by the Bundesliga's two bottom clubs Vfl Bochum and Schalke 04, according to Bild.
The 34-year-old has expressed his desire to play in the United States, but he has been unable to force a move across continents.
Whilst his services appear surplus to requirements in the Bundesliga, Kruse is thought to be on the radar of Dutch side Feyenoord of Rotterdam, according to GGFN, along with some Turkish sides, where he has played previously with Fenerbahce.
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Kruse 'disappointed' he after Liverpool move fell through
Kruse came very close to joining six-time Champions League winners Liverpool in 2019. However, his move fell through following an inspired Divock Origi performance in the Champions League semi final against Barcelona, which saw Jurgen Klopp opt to keep the Belgian instead.
"In my opinion, it was relatively fixed. [Liverpool] actually wanted to give up two strikers, then one of the strikers scored goals in the Champions League semi-final and final," Kruse told the Spieltagssiegerbesieger – Der Kickbase podcast.
"Then it was over. At that moment it was disappointing," he added.
However, Kruse held nothing against Jurgen Klopp, claiming: "We spoke on the phone once or twice. Everything is great with him. I’m not angry with Jurgen. Every now and then I send him a photo from vacation!"
Despite his current situation, Kruse is no slouch, scoring 162 career goals, and featuring for the German national side. Time will tell whether the forward, once destined for Merseyside, can rediscover his form elsewhere.
Topics: Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, Bundesliga, Football, Premier League, Wolfsburg, Schalke, Fenerbahce
Joe Adams