Kenny Rocha Santos insists that a move to Premier League giants Liverpool was never on the cards during the January transfer window, speaking to KV Oostende’s official website.
The 22-year-old Cape Verde international is less than 12 months into his spell at the Jupiler League outfit.
So it’s a testament to just how impressive he’s been on Belgian soil that, according to reports, the likes of Feyenoord, Porto and even Liverpool are now keeping very close tabs on the £8 million-rated midfielder (Voetbal Flitsen).
Technically gifted, tactically versatile and boasting a fearsome shot from long-range, Santos enhanced his growing reputation with a handful of eye-catching performances at the African Cup of Nations too.
And when quizzed about the possibility of joining fellow AFCON stars Mo Salah and Sadio Mane at Anfield, Santos did confirm that talks with a few interested clubs had taken place.
Will Liverpool return for Kenny Rocha Santos?
“There have been talks between my agent and a few clubs,” explains the former Nancy youngster, before pointing out that he had no plans to leave Oostende in the midst of a season that could still end in a relegation dogfight.
“It is not that an immediate transfer was on the cards. There was never any doubt for me. It was certain that, after New Year’s Day, I would still play at KV Oostende.
A dream move?
“I know that many players dream of the Premier League, La Liga, or Serie A,” Santos adds. “But if I had to choose, I would like to play a Champions League match. I would also like to play a World Cup with Cape Verde. That’s really a dream.
“The problem is that Cape Verde is a small footballing country. And only five African teams are allowed to go to the World Cup. In football, you never know and anything is possible. But let’s not look too far ahead.”
Santos even went head-to-head with Mane at AFCON. His Cape Verde side suffered a 2-0 defeat to eventual champions Senegal in the second round.
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