In what could be considered one of Liverpool's biggest transfer market oversights, new revelations have emerged about their failure to secure Christian Eriksen for a mere £1.5 million during the 2010 summer window.
The Deal That Never Was
Former OB sporting director Bjorn Wesstrom has confirmed to the Mirror that Liverpool were actively pursuing the Danish midfielder when he was just 18 years old. The Reds had identified Eriksen as a prime target but ultimately hesitated to meet the asking price.
"We had contact with Liverpool," Wesstrom revealed. "They were interested but didn't want to pay the £1.5m. They thought it was too much."
Ajax's Bargain Buy
While Liverpool deliberated, Dutch giants Ajax swooped in to secure Eriksen's signature for the exact amount Liverpool deemed excessive. The transfer would prove to be one of the shrewdest investments in recent football history.
Eriksen rapidly developed into one of Europe's most creative midfielders during his time in Amsterdam, making 162 appearances and scoring 32 goals before earning his big-money move to Tottenham Hotspur in 2013.
Premier League Proven Quality
The Danish international went on to become a Premier League superstar during his seven-year spell with Tottenham, establishing himself as one of the division's elite playmakers. His subsequent moves to Inter Milan, Brentford, and Manchester United have only reinforced his quality and longevity at the highest level.
Now 32, Eriksen continues to perform consistently in the Premier League, making Liverpool's initial hesitation appear increasingly costly with each passing season.
Transfer Market Lessons
This revelation serves as a stark reminder of how transfer market decisions can haunt clubs for years. The £1.5m that seemed "too much" in 2010 represents a fraction of Eriksen's current market value and the impact he could have provided to Liverpool's midfield over the past decade.
As Liverpool continue to compete at the highest level, this story underscores the importance of trusting youth development and being willing to take calculated risks on emerging talent.
