Liverpool hero Sir Kenny Dalglish was in the middle of sorting a deal for a new midfielder but his first meeting wasn't exactly what you would call normal
Abbie Meehan Sports Writer U-35s
13:00, 10 Dec 2025
Liverpool Manager Kenny Dalglish arrives at Melwood Training Ground with Charlie Adam, who is there for a medical prior to his transfer from Blackpool, on July 6, 2011 in Liverpool, England.
Sir Kenny Dalglish watched golf and had tea with his latest signing(Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Charlie Adam paid a visit to Sir Kenny Dalglish to discuss joining Liverpool but wound up watching golf and sipping tea instead.
The former Stoke City midfielder celebrates his 40th birthday today and no doubt reflects fondly on his playing days. The Scottish star kicked off his career at Rangers before eventually securing a Premier League switch to Blackpool. Liverpool came knocking in 2011, prompting Adam to visit then-boss Dalglish at his home to sort out a potential dream move.
The former midfielder was left gobsmacked by the Scottish legend's casual approach during the meeting, leaving him worried that his Anfield switch might fall through. Recalling the bizarre encounter on Open Goal in 2017, Adam said: "I always wanted to move to Liverpool.
Darren Fletcher of Manchester United competes with Charlie Adam of Liverpool during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield on October 15, 2011 in Liverpool, England.
Adam got his dream move to Anfield(Image: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
"I went to meet Kenny with my agent, Kenny Moyes. We went round to his house and I was quite worried – he's a Scotland legend and I'm visiting him at his house.
"But he was sat on his couch watching the Masters. He said, 'Want a cup of tea?' and I said, 'That'd be nice.' He said, 'Well, the kitchen's over there.'
"So I've had to go into his kitchen, he's sitting with his slippers and pyjamas on. He comes into the kitchen and makes the tea and throws me some biscuits and says, 'I don't know what they're like, my missus is on holiday for a couple of weeks.'
"We actually never spoke about football – we watched the golf for 20 minutes, and then we left. I asked my agent in the car – 'What was that!' and he admitted, 'I don't know.' It was freakish what happened."
Charlie Adam of Liverpool celebrates his goal with teammate Jordan Henderson during the Barclays Premier League game between Liverpool and Bolton Wanderers at Anfield on August 27, 2011 in Liverpool, England.
He starred alongside the likes of Jordan Henderson and Steven Gerrard(Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Despite the bizarre introduction, Adam's dream of joining Liverpool came true. He signed a four-year contract worth £6.75million and played alongside the likes of Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez.
Sir Alex Ferguson, who was managing Manchester United at the time, couldn't resist making a cheeky remark about Adam's transfer to Liverpool. He claimed that Adam's set-piece skills alone were worth £10m.
After a narrow 3-2 victory over Adam's Blackpool, Ferguson said: "We were all over the place. His corner kicks are worth £10million in themselves. The boy is an incredible striker of the ball."
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Reacting to the legendary Scot's remarks, Adam said: "I think it was a bit tongue in cheek. He knew Liverpool wanted me to go there and I think he was just trying to bump up the price.
"But it was funny seeing the interview after the game and what he said was great. Lucky enough Liverpool came and paid the money they paid and the rest is history."