The Anderlecht winger Jeremy Doku has spoken for the first time about his failed move to Liverpool.
Doku was 15 when he was shown around Liverpool’s training facility and introduced to Jurgen Klopp, Sadio Mane and Steven Gerrard.
But a transfer to Anfield never materialised for the Belgian Under-21 international, who has since broken into Anderlecht’s first-team plans.
It is approaching two years since Doku, now 18, made his senior bow for the Purple and White.
And, after 32 games, five goals and four assists, Sport Foot Magazine was finally granted an interview with the player.
Asked about his ‘flirtation’ with Liverpool, Doku replied: “It was a bit crazy, though. I was only fifteen, Liverpool invited me with my parents. They showed me around. The stadium, the training complex. And we were received by the cream. Sadio Mané came to talk to me, Jürgen Klopp was also interested in me.
“It’s very possible (that Liverpool were using their big names to pressure him into signing). As if by chance, we went to the training centre precisely when the players were eating. We were shown into the restaurant, so everyone was there. Steven Gerrard pulled me aside and showed me videos … of me. They had lots of pictures. He commented on them to me: what you’re doing there, we really like. And other style stuff. If I had accepted the offer, I would have had him as a youth coach.
“For a while, with my parents, we talked about Chelsea. The people of Liverpool immediately ticked off, they probably thought I was in contact with Chelsea. But no, it’s the first name of one of my sisters and we were just talking about her.”
But Doku does not believe it is the last he will hear from Liverpool.
“If I had accepted their offer, I might be in the first team now. Or maybe not,” he told Sport Foot Magazine. “What I do know is that I am now playing with Anderlecht. People in my neighbourhood would advise me to go there, they would tell me that I might never have such an opportunity again. I see things differently. If Liverpool want me when I’m fifteen and confirm with the pros, Liverpool will get back to me later. There were other clubs interested. We also visited the Arsenal and Ajax facilities. My parents encouraged me to leave. It was I who made the decision to stay. I was not ready. I wanted to keep having fun, keep playing with my friends.”
GhanaSoccernet reported earlier this year that Anderlecht are resigned to losing Doku this summer and will demand £18 million for his signature.
But with others such as AC Milan being credited with an interest, Liverpool could face a fight for his services if they opt to pursue a deal.
Liverpool fans – could Doku be a useful option for Klopp’s side?
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