Much to the (unfounded) frustration of some supporters, it was a notably quiet summer for Liverpool last year.
While rivals spent big and broke transfer records left, right and centre, only Chelsea - who were hamstrung by a registration embargo - made fewer senior signings than the Reds.
The only first-team arrivals came in the form of backup goalkeeper Adrian and backup to the backup goalkeeper Andy Lonergan, as Jurgen Klopp prioritised continuity. Given what came before and what has come since, it's pretty safe to say that's a decision that has been justified.
However, it might have been different.
MARCA: Ødegaard has exploded at Sociedad this season, after being played in his preferred position in central midfield, five years after his arrival as a child prodigy at Real Madrid. pic.twitter.com/7pUkCnO7wp
— M•A•J (@Ultra_Suristic) April 10, 2020
That's because former Vitesse manager Leonid Slutsky, who once coached Real Madrid's perennial prodigy Martin Odegaard, has revealed that the player had an offer on the table from the Anfield giants before joining Real Sociedad on loan back in July.
Slutsky was in charge of Vitesse when they brought Odegaard in on loan back in 2018. Back then, his once-meteoric potential having failed to make a meaningful breakthrough in four years at Los Blancos was seen to be waning. It was last chance saloon, but he thrived in the Netherlands, and 11 goals and 12 assists later, he returned to Spain a renewed player.
He was subsequently sent out on a season-long loan to Sociedad, where he has continued to rebuild his reputation, but according to Slutsky, it could have gone another way - with Liverpool and Ajax in the running for his signature.
“His time at Vitesse has been very important,” the Russian manager told EFE, as relayed by Football365.
“He became one of the best players in the Eredivisie and had many offers in his pocket. Not only from Real Sociedad, but also from Liverpool and Ajax.
Today we continue looking for the most valuable passers in Europe ⚽
— Statified Football (@StatifiedF) April 12, 2020
Next stop: Spain
Lionel Messi is NOT the best in this category
Kroos, Parejo and Ødegaard the best among players with 1000+ min#laliga #messi #nsxg #futbol #data #analytics @CholoColcho @paleszhurts_ pic.twitter.com/XkKhmFuNAk
“It is an honour to have had a share in Martin’s growth as a footballer.”
Liverpool went on to sign Takumi Minamino in January, but it is unclear if he is seen as an alternative to Odegaard or if a deal could be revived once his current loan spell is brought to an end.
He has scored seven goals and registered eight assists in 28 appearances for Sociedad, proving a consistent source of creativity and inspiration for
Source : 90min