Paris FC’s Maxime Lopez says he had opportunities to join Liverpool and Barcelona earlier in this career.
The 27-year-old was a guest for the latest episode of Détective Mathoux on Canal+. He talked about interest shown by both Liverpool and Barcelona, and [Le10 Sport](https://le10sport.com/football/mercato/om-transfert-improbable-un-joueur-confirme-pour-liverpool-764491) have relayed his comments.
Lopez joined Marseille’s academy from Burel FC in 2010 and spent six years there before he was promoted to the first team. He spent five years with their senior team and joined Sassuolo on a permanent deal in 2021.
In August 2024, the Frenchman returned to his country to join Paris FC after Sassuolo’s relegation from Serie A.
During the midfielder’s time with Marseille’s academy, Le10 say he was considered as a rising star in France. This didn’t go unnoticed as the Reds and Barca tried to sign him.
Lopez said there were talks with Barcelona when he was part of Marseille’s first team. Liverpool, on the other hand, wanted to sign him when he was part of the youth system.
The Merseyside club were keen but he rejected them club to continue at Marseille.
_“Liverpool was well before Barcelona._
_“In 2013, I went to visit them for three days. Barca involved discussions, Liverpool offered a professional contract, everything was there, but I chose to stay in Marseille at the time.”_