Liverpool once pursued a talented Bundesliga teenager who was making significant waves. However, this prospect later regretted turning down the Reds.
Donis Avdijaj has admitted that rejecting Liverpool was the “biggest mistake” of his career.
The former Bundesliga prodigy was highly sought after following a stellar start with Schalke’s youth teams.
After joining the Miners in 2011, Avdijaj scored an impressive 76 goals in 77 matches for their under-17 and under-19 squads before advancing to the senior team.
His outstanding performances at the youth level drew the interest of Premier League giants and Real Madrid, but he ultimately signed a professional contract with Schalke.
He later regretted this decision as he struggled to meet the high expectations set by his remarkable academy record, according to the Liverpool Echo.
Speaking to Sport1, Avdijaj said: “My biggest mistake, which I bitterly regret, was turning down another mega offer from Liverpool before I signed the long contract with Schalke, which was a matter close to my heart. I also had one from Real Madrid.”
The Kosovo international made only 12 first-team appearances for Schalke over a seven-year period before moving to Dutch club Willem II in 2018. His subsequent stints in Turkey, Scotland, Cyprus, and Switzerland were largely unremarkable.
Today, at 27 years old, he has found success in the Austrian Bundesliga with Hartberg. This past season, the forward notched an impressive 12 goals and six assists under the management of Markus Schopp, who had previously coached him at Sturm Graz.
When Avdijaj was first linked with Liverpool, Brendan Rodgers was at the helm, a period marked by turbulent transfer dealings for the club. Stability returned with the appointment of Jurgen Klopp, a trend they aim to continue under his successor, Arne Slot.
Despite some initial challenges after making a striking debut, Avdijaj’s confidence has remained steadfast. Whether or not he transfers to Liverpool, he told Sport1: “I know that it is up to me what my sporting future looks like.
“It certainly doesn’t matter whether I’ve played at one club for five years or have 10 clubs in five years. In the end, only one thing counts for me, namely that I can play football and show what I can do.”
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