Allan Rodrigues de Souza, once hailed as an 'outstanding talent' by Jurgen Klopp, didn't quite hit the mark in England, but is now headed to the Club World Cup with Flamengo.
Liverpool snapped him up the midfielder in 2015 under Brendan Rogers for around $700k from Internacional, and he seemed to catch Klopp's eye. "I saw him in training and I thought 'oh my god, what can we do to keep this boy here and bring him into the line-up?' the German manager said.
"He's 19 years old, an outstanding talent, a good player with a good attitude, everybody loves him, he's a nice lad - so that's really, really good. He's a smart player."
Despite impressing in training and Klopp's desire to integrate him into the squad, work permit issues prevented the Brazilian from ever featuring for Liverpool.
He was loaned out to various clubs across different countries, including Germany, Cyprus and his native Brazil with Fluminense.
In 2020, Allan was sold to Atletico Mineiro for $4.3 million, netting the Reds a tidy $3.7 million profit despite him never making a single appearance.
He put in stellar performances for them, helping secure the domestic double in 2021, before transferring to Flamengo in 2023.
Allan of CR Flamengo
Allan will face off against Chelsea (Image: Al Bello - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Despite interest from his former Brazilian club, the midfielder remains a pivotal figure in Flamengo's strategy, and is set to play a key role in the Club World Cup against ES Tunis, Chelsea, and Leon, with their opening match slated for June 17.
While Allan continues to ply his trade in Brazil, he hasn't shied away from sharing his aspirations to make a comeback to the Reds.
"I hope to return to England or a strong European League. I want to be recognized in Europe in the same way I am now recognised in Brazil," he conveyed to The Athletic in 2022.
"I have great memories of the club, the supporters and the atmosphere of Anfield on a match day. It is still a dream and if it was down to me I would return to the club one day."
"It would be a dream come true to win the Champions League or Premier League with Liverpool. It would be perfect."
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Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has set a challenge to Cole Palmer ahead of the Club World Cup. “I’ve said it more than once: Cole Palmer is up there with the best players who can produce something at any moment, create something out of nothing,” said Maresca.
“He wasn’t with me on the USA tour last summer, so it will also be a chance for him to experience the environment there and to introduce himself to North America.”