Spotting genuine football talent on YouTube isn’t easy, but Jurgen Klopp seemingly managed it during his time at Liverpool, according to reports.
Back in 2017, Klopp reportedly had the opportunity to sign a future Real Madrid star for just £2.5 million—a player whose market value has since soared.
According to The Mirror, Liverpool were in “advanced talks” with Brazilian club Santos after Klopp noticed the youngster’s skills in online videos.
That year, Klopp guided Liverpool to a fourth-place Premier League finish, eventually leading them to Champions League and league titles during his nine-year spell at Anfield.
Despite the interest, the then-16-year-old stayed in Brazil before eventually moving to La Liga in 2019.
Now 24, winger Rodrygo has become one of Europe’s most highly regarded talents.
In a 2020 interview with Canal do Nicola, Rodrygo’s agent Elano revealed how Klopp discovered the player:
“Klopp searched ‘Brazilian talents’ on YouTube, found Rodrygo, and was impressed. He traveled to Brazil and liked what he saw. Liverpool made contact—Klopp wanted Rodrygo as his first signing,” said Elano.
Though Liverpool were close to landing the deal for £2.5 million, it ultimately didn’t happen. Rodrygo later signed for Real Madrid for £37 million—ironically, completing the paperwork in a hospitality box at Anfield, per The Mirror.
Speaking to The Guardian, Rodrygo recalled: “We didn’t finalize the deal because I chose not to. Despite the great offer and pathway they laid out, I wanted to stay at Santos and make some history there before moving to Europe.”
The Brazilian international, now valued at around £80 million, has been linked with a potential move to the Premier League, with recent reports suggesting Arsenal are in talks to bring him to England.
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