Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard tried to persuade two top players to join the Reds during his time at Anfield, but both declined the opportunity
19:37, 08 May 2026
Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard had an 'unofficial role' at the club(Image: LFC Foundation/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Steven Gerrard once attempted to persuade both Willian and Toni Kroos to put pen to paper at Liverpool during his time as club captain. The Anfield legend will be watching on as the Reds take on Chelsea this Saturday afternoon in what promises to be a compelling Premier League clash.
Despite going head-to-head with Chelsea and Real Madrid on the European stage, Gerrard still sought to entice some of their finest talents to Merseyside during his playing days. In his 2015 autobiography, 'My Story', the former Red shed light on his 'unofficial role' in brokering transfer deals for the club.
Ultimately, both Kroos and Willian rebuffed his advances on separate occasions.
READ MORE: Alexis Mac Allister's dad responds to transfer rumors with Liverpool contract updateREAD MORE: Chelsea has 6 players missing for Liverpool game after sickening clashes
Reflecting on his approach to the Brazilian midfielder ahead of his move to Stamford Bridge, Gerrard revealed: "I had an unofficial role at the club, trying to persuade some great players to join Liverpool.
"In 2013, the latest player in our sights was Willian, the Brazilian midfielder. followed the usual routine when approaching a star player we wanted to sign.
"Instead of calling him directly I always sent a text. It seemed more respectful and allowed the player to read my message at a time when it suited him best.
"I slipped into the groove with William. I said hello and hoped he didn't mind me contacting him directly, I stressed how much I admired him as a player."
Willian
Willian was a target for Liverpool(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
The midfielder ended up joining Chelsea for a fee of £30 million ($40.9M) to work under Jose Mourinho and spent seven years with the Blues. Ironically enough, Willian departed Chelsea without Europe's top trophy, while Gerrard secured one Champions League and came runner-up another time.
Further into the book, the 45-year-old recounted his pursuit of Kroos, writing: "We [Gerrard and then manager Brendan Rodgers] both admired Toni Kroos immensely.
"I knew Real Madrid were gearing up to make Bayern Munich an offer and so I felt a bit awkward when I texted Kroos. The German was on his way to winning the World Cup with his country and Real were the champions of Europe. But God loves a tirier, and so I gave it a whirl.
Toni Kroos
The Reds were also interested in Toni Kroos(Image: Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Article continues below
"And then, having mentioned that I knew Liverpool were speaking to his agent, I used the standard line: 'If you need to chat or ask any questions I'm available at any time.' However, he replied with: 'I'm not sure Liverpool can win me the Champions League.'"
Kroos subsequently put pen to paper for the Spanish giants, cementing his status as a Madrid legend by claiming five Champions League titles and four La Liga crowns. He hung up his boots after Euro 2024, having established himself as arguably one of the most celebrated midfielders of his generation.
Despite falling short on certain transfer targets, Liverpool thrived under Gerrard's influential captaincy during this period.