There’s a 23-year-old player who is on Michael Edward’s transfer radar this summer, and he just confirmed he almost signed for Liverpool years ago.
Michael Edwards is back at the helm. Although in an entirely different role, working more under FSG to oversee the club’s owners’ entire football operations.
But there is no denying he will play a close role in Liverpool’s transfer activity alongside new sporting director Richard Hughes.
Especially this summer, which promises to be one of the most important windows for Liverpool in the modern era.
Without Jurgen Klopp in charge for the first time in nine years, Liverpool will undergo a major transformation and it’s essential the Reds get their recruitment right.
There will be some players who will have to be replaced. Others who will want to leave, or those who the new manager will want to bring in.
It will be up to Edwards and Hughes to get those decisions right. Undoubtedly, they will already be working behind the scenes on drawing up a plan.
Who could be on Michael Edwards’ transfer radar?
Recently, there has been a lot of speculation about Mohamed Salah and whether he might be tempted to leave this summer.
Salah has been a fantastic servant for Liverpool. However, there is no denying he is getting on in age. He will turn 32-years-old this summer, and with just one year left on his contract, Edwards has a huge decision to make.
If that decision is to not renew Salah’s contract, then a departure could not be ruled out. If that is the case, Liverpool will have to find a replacement.
And perhaps the best replacement on the market right now is Rodrygo, who is already on Liverpool’s transfer radar according to reports.
What has Rodrygo just said about moving to Liverpool
Liverpool’s interest in Rodrygo stretches back years. Edwards and the club’s recruitment staff had started to monitor him while he was playing in Santos.
Now the 23-year-old Real Madrid winger has spoken of Liverpool’s interest from that time, and confirmed he almost joined the club.
“We didn’t close the deal because I didn’t want to,” Rodrygo told The Guardian.
“I wanted to stay at Santos even though the offer was very good. The pathway they promised me would also have been very good for my career. I was going to finish my studies in England to prepare for European football.
“It had always been my dream to play in Europe. Everything was very good, but my desire spoke louder. I wanted to stay at Santos and make a bit of history at the club. And that’s what happened: I was able to fulfil my dream of playing for Santos. But it’s true, I almost went to Liverpool.”