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Jurgen Klopp never wanted to sell goalkeeper Simon Mignolet in 2019, and the former Liverpool stopper has shown why, playing a key role in his fourth title win in five years. After six years at Anfield, Mignolet returned to Club Brugge following the signing of Alisson, and has since enjoyed great success.
Mignolet celebrated another Belgian Pro League title on Sunday, securing the championship with a 0-0 draw at home against Cercle Brugge, where he kept a clean sheet. The point sparked joyous celebrations at the Jan Breydel Stadium, led by the 36-year-old Mignolet.
“A fairytale that deserved a happy ending,” Mignolet posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), along with a photo of him lifting the trophy amid a massive pitch invasion by passionate fans. “We Are Bruges!!”
With Mignolet, Club Brugge has become a dominant force in Belgian football. However, he will no longer play on the international stage, having retired from the Belgian national team last year.
Mignolet will continue to focus on his club career, where he is contracted for another two years. He is one of the few players who have left Anfield and found success elsewhere.
Unlike Philippe Coutinho, Sadio Mane, and Georginio Wijnaldum, who have struggled despite their legendary status at Liverpool, Mignolet’s departure has been different. Klopp wasn’t surprised by Mignolet’s success, admitting he was forced to let him go.
“If you asked me to list the most standout professionals I’ve worked with in over 30 years, Simon Mignolet would be at the top,” Klopp said when Mignolet left. “The respect he commands in our dressing room is unrivalled. An outstanding athlete, an outstanding person, and an international-class ‘keeper. The truth is, I didn’t want Simon to leave – why would I? He’s good enough to start for any Premier League team.
“But, like with Lucas Leiva, sometimes you have to consider the player’s welfare. Simon is such a person.”
After sealing an £8.2 million move to Club Brugge, Mignolet wrote to Liverpool fans, saying, “It’s been a great ride. There have been ups, downs, and everything in between, but I’ll always look back on my time at Anfield with fondness.
“I have no regrets – I’ve given my all and always done my best to wear the shirt with pride and represent the club with dignity and professionalism. Once part of the family, always part of the family. Deep inside I’ll always be a Red.”
