Liverpool continues to be a club where a number of emerging talents aspire to play for one day.
Even players committing their futures elsewhere often keep the Reds firmly in mind, highlighting the enduring appeal of Liverpool’s history, atmosphere and reputation.
That appears to have been the case during one of this summer’s more complicated transfer sagas, with a promising youngster choosing a move to Serie A.
Italian journalist Marco Barzaghi has now revealed that Anan Khalaili, who is closing in on a move to Inter Milan, has long harboured ambitions of one day representing Liverpool.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Barzaghi said: “Inter were extremely determined to sign Anan. They wanted him at all costs.”
He continued: “We went through a terrible week. The transfer came very close to collapsing, but then Cristian Chivu took the initiative and called Anan personally.”
“He believes Anan can continue to improve and perhaps one day fulfil his childhood dream of playing for Liverpool. Personally, I probably wouldn’t have said that to him.”
The comments offer a fascinating insight into the conversations that helped convince the highly-rated winger to choose Inter, while also suggesting Liverpool has remained the player’s ultimate ambition despite his latest career move.
The transfer has not been entirely straightforward, however. Inter had hoped to officially announce Khalaili’s arrival on Friday, but Italian reports, including those from Gazzetta, state the 21-year-old must first undergo additional medical examinations before the move can be finalised.
The Israel international is expected to complete those further tests by Tuesday next week before sealing his permanent switch from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise.
Inter have already agreed a deal worth €25 million plus add-ons with Union SG, underlining just how highly they rate one of Europe’s most exciting young wide forwards.
While Khalaili’s immediate focus will be on establishing himself in Milan under Chivu, Barzaghi’s revelation is sure to catch the attention of Liverpool supporters.
If the winger fulfils his considerable potential in Serie A, perhaps the childhood dream mentioned during those decisive transfer talks could one day become a reality.