Liverpool wonderkid Harvey Elliott has revealed he rejected an approach from Real Madrid in order to join Liverpool.
Elliott moved to Anfield from Fulham at the age of 16 in 2019 - and the transfer arrived with plenty of controversy attached.
Liverpool could not agree a fee with the Cottagers, with Sky Sports reporting that they offered £750,000. However, Fulham wanted a fee in the region of £8 million.
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Eventually, the case went to a tribunal, with the Reds ordered to pay an initial fee of £1.5 million, plus add-ons up to £2.8 million, for the midfielder.
Since his arrival at the club, he has been introduced slowly into the Liverpool first team by manager Jurgen Klopp. After a season-long loan spell at Championship side Blackburn, where he provided 18 goal contributions, the 20-year-old has played a more significant role in the Reds squad in the most recent two seasons.
A broken leg suffered against Leeds at the beginning of last season curtailed his involvement, but he has recovered to make 26 Premier League appearances this term.
Now, Elliott has revealed how he rejected Real Madrid to join Liverpool.
Elliott on failed Real Madrid rejection
Speaking on the We Are Liverpool podcast, Elliott explained how he didn't need to think twice after moving to Anfield once Liverpool came calling - despite an offer from Real.
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He said: "I was close to going to Madrid, and then I think Liverpool came in. As soon as I heard that they came in, that was it."
The Athletic reported in 2020 that Elliott was offered a tour of Real's Bernabeu stadium as the Spanish giants attempted to convince him to sign - and even a meeting with legendary captain Sergio Ramos.
However, the 20-year-old refused, citing Ramos' game-ending challenge on Liverpool's Mohamed Salah in the 2018 Champions League final as the reason behind his decision.
He told The Athletic: "Yeah, that's true. I turned it down because of what he did to Mo."
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Elliott has formed a good on-pitch and off-pitch relationship with Salah, and the duo will hope to help Liverpool finish the season on a strong note and qualify for Europe after a difficult campaign.
Topics: Liverpool, Harvey Elliott, Premier League, Transfers, Real Madrid, Sergio Ramos
Ryan Smart