Super Eagles star Moses Simon opens up on Liverpool transfer regret

Super Eagles winger Moses Simon has revealed that missing out on a move to Liverpool remains one of the biggest disappointments of his football career.

The 30-year-old, who recently joined French club Paris FC after leaving Nantes, said he came close to signing for the Premier League giants during his time at Belgian side Gent.

Simon has built an impressive career in Europe and has become one of Nigeria’s most dependable players. The experienced winger has made 98 appearances for the Super Eagles and is one of the senior members of the national team.

Speaking in an interview with Urban Dwell Sport, Simon admitted that his desire to leave Gent affected his performances between 2016 and 2018.

He explained that several clubs, including Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton, Fulham, Hull City and Lyon, showed interest in signing him.

According to Simon, Liverpool came closest to completing the transfer, but the deal eventually fell through.

“From 2016 to 2018, I dropped in form because I wanted to make a transfer,” Simon said.

He added that after the Liverpool move failed, he became frustrated and struggled to stay focused on his football.

“The second year, I was supposed to go to Liverpool. It didn’t work. In my head, I was asking if it was the agent or the club. I didn’t want to play,” he said.

Simon admitted he wrongly believed that performing below his usual level would force Gent to sell him more quickly.

The Nigerian winger said the Belgian club had signed him for around €1 million but later valued him at €25 million, making a transfer more difficult.

Looking back, Simon believes he made the wrong decision and hopes younger players can learn from his experience.

He advised footballers not to let transfer rumours affect their commitment on the pitch, stressing that they should always give their best whether a move happens or not.

“If there is a rumour or no rumour, just give everything. A transfer can come, and you go. If it doesn’t come, continue because your club is paying you. That is the contract you signed,” he said.

Despite failing to join Liverpool, Simon has enjoyed a successful career, winning trophies and becoming one of Nigeria’s most-capped players.

Now just two appearances away from reaching 100 caps for the Super Eagles, Simon is on course to join the exclusive list of Nigerian players who have reached the century mark for the national team.