Steven Gerrard’s daring attempts to recruit two star players for Liverpool ended in stunning fashion, as both delivered blunt rejections via text message.
Steven Gerrard made a bold attempt to lure two players to Liverpool, but both shut him down with a cold, unexpected rejection over text message.
1. Steven Gerrard was unsuccessful on two occasions in convincing a Liverpool transfer target to join the club.
2. Twice, Steven Gerrard failed to win over a potential Liverpool signing.
Steven Gerrard made attempts to persuade two players to join Liverpool, but both turned him down via text message.
Even though Liverpool is one of the biggest clubs in world football, securing top transfer targets is never guaranteed.
Recently, players like Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia both reportedly snubbed a move to Anfield, choosing instead to sign with Chelsea.
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard made two attempts to lure players to the club, but both efforts ended in failure.
In his 2015 autobiography My Story, former midfielder Steven Gerrard shared, “I had an unofficial role at the club, trying to convince some great players to join Liverpool. In 2013, the latest player we were targeting was Willian, the Brazilian midfielder. I followed the usual approach when reaching out to a star player we wanted to sign.
“Rather than calling him directly, I always sent a text. It felt more respectful and allowed the player to read my message at a time that suited him best. A cold call just didn’t feel right.”
Gerrard went on, “I eased into the conversation with Willian. I greeted him and hoped he didn’t mind me reaching out directly.
“I emphasized how much I admired him as a player, and then, after mentioning that I knew Liverpool were in talks with his agent, I used the usual line: ‘If you need to chat or have any questions, I’m available at any time.’”
But Willian responded with: “I’m not sure Liverpool can give me the Champions League.”
Gerrard then revealed he also tried to persuade Toni Kroos to join Liverpool. He said, “Both Brendan Rodgers and I admired Kroos immensely. I knew Real Madrid were preparing to make an offer to Bayern Munich, so I felt a bit awkward texting Kroos.
“The German was on the verge of winning the World Cup with his country, and Real Madrid were the champions of Europe. But God loves a trier, so I gave it a shot.”
Kroos rejected Gerrard and Liverpool’s offer, ultimately going on to become one of Real Madrid’s most pivotal players in the modern era.