French forward Loic Remy has opened up about the dramatic collapse of his proposed move to Liverpool in 2014, revealing how a failed medical scuppered the deal and ultimately led him to join Chelsea instead, while turning down a late approach from Arsenal.
The Liverpool Dream That Fell Apart
Remy was on the verge of becoming a Liverpool player after impressing during his loan spell at Newcastle United from Queens Park Rangers. The Frenchman had scored 14 goals and provided three assists in 27 appearances during the 2013/14 Premier League season, catching the attention of then-Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.
The Anfield club activated an £8.5 million release clause in Remy's QPR contract and the transfer appeared to be progressing smoothly. Remy even joined Liverpool's pre-season tour in the United States, conducting interviews and posing with the club's scarf, believing the deal was complete.
Medical Setback Changes Everything
"I was a Liverpool player as far as I was concerned," Remy revealed in an interview with Ladbrokes. "I'd done the interviews, and I still have a picture of myself on my phone, holding their scarf. It was a very proud moment for me."
However, the dream move unraveled when medical tests revealed an undisclosed issue. "Two days later I found out that there was a problem with my medical, and the deal was off," Remy explained. "They didn't want to take the risk, and while I was so disappointed, I accepted it and went back to London, ready to start training with QPR again."
At the time, QPR manager Harry Redknapp expressed surprise at the medical concerns, describing Remy as "very fit" and suggesting it was "not possible" the striker had encountered significant health problems.
Chelsea Win the Race Ahead of Arsenal
Despite the Liverpool setback, Remy's impressive form at Newcastle kept him in demand. Chelsea emerged as serious contenders for his signature, with Arsenal also expressing interest as the transfer window approached its deadline.
Remy described the frantic final moments of the transfer saga: "Just before we signed, my agent had a call from Arsenal, who were asking whether I'd signed or not. 'No, no, he's on his way to sign now. Tell him not to sign – we want him!'"
Why Remy Chose Chelsea Over Arsenal
Faced with a last-minute choice between Chelsea and Arsenal, Remy opted for Stamford Bridge. "In the end, I went with Chelsea because I just thought that Arsenal should have manifested themselves long before the end of the transfer window," he explained.
"I was already at Cobham, ready to sign with Chelsea, had passed my medical, so I decided I wasn't going to change my mind. A mistake, or not? I don't think it was; at the end of the day, I won titles with Chelsea."
Success at Stamford Bridge
Although Remy managed just 12 goals in 47 appearances during his three-year spell at Chelsea, he played a significant role in Jose Mourinho's team during his first season. The French forward helped the Blues secure both the Premier League title and the League Cup in the 2014/15 campaign.
Reflecting on the complicated transfer process, Remy concluded: "It was a very complicated move behind the scenes!" His experience serves as a reminder of how quickly football transfers can change direction, particularly as clubs approach transfer deadlines.
The story also highlights how medical examinations can dramatically alter a player's career trajectory, with Remy's failed Liverpool medical ultimately redirecting him to Chelsea where he achieved significant silverware despite limited playing time.
