Liverpool tried to pip Chelsea to the signing of centre-back Benoit Badiashile in the January transfer window.
That’s according to Football London, who claim that the Reds were attempting to bring Badiashile from Monaco in the New Year. Barcelona are also said to have been keen on the 21-year-old, but Chelsea won the day.
Badiashile was reportedly won over by the ‘long-term project’ on offer at Chelsea, opposed to the other two clubs.
The Frenchman is also claimed to have been impressed by the amount of ‘ground-work’ the Blues did to secure his signature.
It isn’t reported just how far Liverpool got in their bid to bring Badiashile to Anfield. At around £35m, he has looked to be a good signing for Chelsea so far. A shame to have missed out on him.
Liverpool lose out to Chelsea for Badiashile
Liverpool had reportedly put Badiashile on a list of potential targets before signing Ibrahima Konate in 2021. As a result, it isn’t a surprise to hear that they were once again interested earlier in the year.
With their search for a long-term partner for Konate under way, his countryman would have been a decent shout.
Young, experienced and commanding, Badiashile has been described as being the ‘complete’ defender by former Monaco assistant manager Joao Tralhao.
For a similar fee that Liverpool spent on Konate, the France international would have been a dam sight cheaper than the likes of Josko Gvardiol, too.
But alas, it wasn’t to be. Just like Enzo Fernandez after him, Badiashile has become a once Liverpool target now plying his trade at Stamford Bridge. Another one gets away for the Reds.
Oh well, onto bigger and better things in the summer for Liverpool. Let’s find that partner for Ibou, he’s out there somewhere!