Wolverhampton Wanderers’ centre-back Conor Coady will likely be announced as an Everton player in the coming days, but, as many will know, he openly supports their rivals, Liverpool.
Coady came through the Liverpool youth ranks and captained their reserve and Under-21 sides before making his full debut in a 1-0 Europa League Group Stage win over Anzhi Makhachkala.
He left the Reds in 2013 in search of more game time, looking further down the leagues to Sheffield United before completing a permanent move to Huddersfield.
A season with the Terriers attracted the attention of Wolverhampton Wanderers, who signed him for a fee of around £2m.
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He captained the side to promotion under Nuno Espirito Santo and subsequent back-to-back 7th placed finishes.
Coady scored the winner against Everton last season for Bruno Lage’s men, and back in 2019 he openly stated his allegiance to the Reds.
“Everybody knows I supported Liverpool growing up but I’m playing for Wolves now,” he said.
“I look at Liverpool’s results and hope they win games – it’s as simple as that.
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“But I play for Wolves now and I play for this football club no matter who we are playing against. We’re going there to win and that’s the mentality we’ll all have.
“My mates are all Liverpool season ticket holders. They keep saying things to me about it. I’ve had millions of ticket requests, absolutely millions. I don’t know how I’m going to do it to be honest.”
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Coady doesn’t seem like the type of character who would allow club allegiance to get in the way of his performances, and he isn’t the only Red or Blue to play for their rivals.
Steve McManaman, Robbie Fowler and Jamie Carragher all famously grew up Evertonians, but quickly switched over after some sensational times at Anfield.
Paul Joyce has confirmed Coady’s likely arrival at Goodison, and the deal will likely be announced in the coming days.
Chris Stonadge