“I Almost Joined Liverpool, But They Weren’t Honest—So I Ended Up at Chelsea”

Over the years, Liverpool’s transfer misses have often turned into Chelsea’s gains—think of players like Fernando Torres, Moises Caicedo, and Romeo Lavia. However, just because the Blues beat their rivals to a signing doesn’t mean it always works out. Torres, for instance, never quite reached the heights he enjoyed at Anfield after moving to west London.

French striker Loic Remy is another example of a transfer that didn’t go as planned for Chelsea. His career might have unfolded very differently if he had completed a move to Liverpool.

Loic Remy on His Collapsed Liverpool Move
Now 39, Remy recently opened up about the emotional rollercoaster he experienced when his potential 2014 transfer to Liverpool fell through. Speaking to Ladbrokes (via Liverpool Echo), he recalled:

“I remember being on holiday in France on a small island when my agent called to say Liverpool wanted to sign me. They were training in Boston for pre-season. I was thrilled and immediately asked what the next steps were.

When my agent and I arrived, everything felt surreal—it was all happening so fast. I met the team, did interviews, and had my medical, but something wasn’t right.”
Remy even held a Liverpool scarf and completed media interviews before the deal collapsed:

“At that moment, I considered myself a Liverpool player. I still have a photo of me holding their scarf on my phone!”
The deal fell through after Liverpool were reportedly concerned about a heart defect Remy had been diagnosed with in 2010.

Despite triggering an £8.5 million release clause in his QPR contract, the club decided not to take the risk. Remy said:
“It was a proud moment, but two days later I was told there was an issue with my medical, and the deal was off. I was disappointed but accepted it and returned to London.”

Liverpool’s Handling of the Transfer
At the time, Brendan Rodgers’ side was searching for a new striker to replace Luis Suarez. After being impressed by Remy during a loan spell at Newcastle, Liverpool ultimately backed out due to his condition.

Speaking shortly after the failed transfer, Remy expressed frustration, suggesting the club had not been entirely transparent:
“I didn’t understand Liverpool’s decision. It wasn’t very honest. I wasn’t scared—I knew exactly what I had and had consulted top specialists. Many players share my situation, and Liverpool knew that.”

A “Crazy” Move to Chelsea

Despite Liverpool’s decision, Chelsea seized the opportunity to sign Remy from QPR that summer. The Frenchman described the move as the “craziest of his career.” While his time at Stamford Bridge wasn’t spectacular—scoring just 12 goals in 47 appearances and largely serving as Diego Costa’s backup—he did win a Premier League medal in the 2014–15 season under Jose Mourinho.

After leaving England in 2017, Remy had spells with Las Palmas, Getafe, and Lille before finishing his career back in France with Brest.