Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott has admitted that he almost signed for Real Madrid instead of the Reds.
Elliott was hot property when he joined Liverpool in 2019. Despite being just sixteen at the time, the youngster had already earned first-team experience with Fulham.
And with his contract in West London set to expire, Elliott had his pick of clubs to join. As a boyhood Liverpool fan, there was only ever really one choice for Harvey. But speaking to the We Are Liverpool podcast, the 20-year-old did admit that he was thinking about a move to Madrid.
“I was close to going to Madrid and then Liverpool came in and as soon as I heard they came in, that was it,” he said. “My heart was set on it. Just because, mainly being a Liverpool fan, all the family and it was my dad’s dream to play for Liverpool himself, but he didn’t quite make it in that way. My little brother is a massive supporter as well.
“Another thing that played a big part was moving my brother and sister abroad. It’s a new culture, different language and they were such a young age as well, just to kind of pluck them away from everything. For me it wasn’t that bad because I knew I’d be able to make friends in the team. Settling in for me wasn’t a problem, but I just wanted my family to be happy as much as anything. But what a place to be living.”
Madrid’s loss is Liverpool’s gain
You have to say that Harvey is an impressive young man. Not many burgeoning young superstars would have the wherewithal to put their younger siblings first in this scenario.
Obviously, his love of Liverpool must have made it a pretty easy decision. But still, Madrid are not an easy club to say no to.
That Elliott could ignore the glamour of a move to the Spanish capital in favour of what was best for his family is credit to him.
Of course, from a purely footballing point of view it was probably a good decision too. With so much talent in the Madrid squad, it would surely have been difficult for him to get a look in.
At Liverpool, the £46k-a-week man has become a real favourite of Jurgen Klopp. Having turned twenty only on Tuesday, his progression since 2019 has been pleasing. Indeed, Tuesday’s draw with Chelsea was the first time Elliott has failed to feature in a Reds match this season.
Through all the expected changes in midfield this summer, Elliott will remain at Anfield. Although questions remain over his best position, this season has been a big one in his development. Real Madrid’s loss is still very much Liverpool’s gain.