Sixteen years ago, Liverpool hijacked the signing of exciting young winger Suso from Real Madrid, thanks to a personal phone call from then-manager Rafael Benitez. The Spaniard had already agreed personal terms with Los Blancos, but Benitez persuaded him to join Liverpool instead.
Suso's Decision
Suso later explained the conversation: "I had agreed on a contract with Real Madrid, and the transfer was basically done, but then Rafael Benitez called me and told me he had a lot of confidence in me and that I should go to Liverpool. I'm glad I made this decision. I love this club and it is the best for me."
Benitez sat down with Suso and his family to sell Liverpool's vision. However, Benitez left Anfield by mutual consent just days later on June 3, meaning Suso never played under the manager who signed him.
From Youth to Professional
Suso signed his first professional contract on his 17th birthday in November 2010. He progressed through Liverpool's youth ranks and made his debut under Brendan Rodgers in September 2012 during a Europa League win over Young Boys. He made 20 appearances that season but was loaned to Almeria for the 2013/14 campaign after the arrivals of Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho.
After just one outing in the first half of the following season, he moved permanently to AC Milan in January 2015, where he stayed until 2020, making 153 appearances and scoring 23 goals. He now plays for boyhood club Cadiz and earned five caps for Spain between 2017 and 2019.
Current Transfer Battle
Now the roles have reversed. Real Madrid are set to sign Liverpool target Yan Diomande, a 19-year-old RB Leipzig winger who had agreed personal terms with the La Liga giants. Liverpool had an initial £85 million bid rejected last month, but failed to meet Leipzig's valuation. PSG also fell short, allowing Real Madrid to hijack the deal with a reported offer over £100 million. PSG refused a bidding war, and Liverpool have moved on to other targets like Bradley Barcola.
