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Lyon’s Houssem Aouar discusses turning down Liverpool move in 2016

Jurgen Klopp manager (James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images)
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Premier League leaders Liverpool are reportedly very interested in Lyon’s Ligue 1 wonderkid Houssem Aouar.

Lyon's French midfielder Houssem Aouar celebrates after scoring a goal during the Europa League (C3) football match Olympique Lyonnais (OL) versus Everton FC on November 2, 2017 at the...

Liverpool would love to bring Houssem Aouar to Anfield. But they could have saved themselves a lot of money had they managed to snap up one of Europe’s most talented midfielders three years ago.

Aouar forced his way into the Lyon team at the start of the 2017/18 season and is now one of the first names on Bruno Genesio’s team-sheet, standing out alongside the likes of Tanguy Ndombele and Nabil Fekir while earning comparisons with Andres Iniesta for his ability to carve open opposition defences.

According to RMC Sport, Liverpool are big fans of the France U21 international, who could potentially be seen as a replacement for Philippe Coutinho in that withdrawn left-sided midfield role.

But, speaking to The Mirror, Aouar has admitted that he had the chance to join the Merseyside giants in 2016 – only to turn them down.

“Before I signed my first professional contract with Lyon in July 2016, Liverpool were interested in me,” the 20-year-old said.

Lyon's French midfielder Houssem Aouar (L) reacts after scoring during the French L1 football match between Olympique Lyonnais and Girondins de Bordeaux on November 3, 2018, at the...

“I thought about it hard with those close to me on the decision I needed to take, what was better for my progression.

“And I opted for Lyon because it is the club of my heart and my aim was to succeed here, in my city.”

With all due respect to Liverpool, Aouar might have made the right call. The midfielder has gone from strength to strength at the Ligue 1 giants, scoring six times already this season while helping Lyon reach the knock-out stages of the Champions League.

Lyon's French midfielder Houssem Aouar reacts after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between Olympique Lyonnais and Girondins de Bordeaux on November 3, 2018, at the...