Crysencio Summerville's personal trainer, Ivandro Monteiro, has claimed Liverpool were among several clubs interested in signing the Dutch forward last summer before he joined Al-Hilal in a deal worth up to £60m.
Liverpool's summer search for wingers
Liverpool's efforts to strengthen their wide options in the summer were well documented as the club looked to enhance Andoni Iraola's attacking choices following the departure of Mohamed Salah. The Reds signed Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth up to £123m and also brought in Victor Munoz after activating a £34.5m release clause.
However, they were left frustrated in their pursuit of a natural right-winger after Salah's release on a free transfer. Yan Diomande rejected Liverpool to sign for Real Madrid, while the La Liga club were not willing to let Endrick leave.
Bids rejected and Summerville's move
Liverpool also had bids rejected for Yankuba Minteh and Ismaila Sarr during the final weeks of the transfer window, before deciding to keep Cody Gakpo. The Dutchman was set to leave had Liverpool succeeded in their own pursuits, with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City both interested.
Summerville, 24, ended up leaving relegated West Ham United to join Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. Monteiro, described as a 'second father' to the player, told ESPN NL that Summerville called him about interest from Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, AS Roma, Liverpool and Manchester United.
Monteiro said: "He told me that a lot of clubs were interested. Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, AS Roma, Liverpool, Manchester United… all clubs that had spoken to him."
Advice to take the Saudi offer
When Summerville revealed Al-Hilal's offer, Monteiro urged him to accept. "I said immediately: 'Boy, pack your bags and go. Don't think about it'," he said. "You are still young and you can always go back."
Monteiro added that Summerville has been playing at a high level in almost every match for the last three or four months and believes he could become the best striker in Europe. "A club doesn't automatically make you better," he said. "You mainly have to invest in yourself."
