NAC Breda centre back Ramon Hendriks has revealed he turned down the chance to join Liverpool to continue his development in the Netherlands.
Hendriks is currently on loan at Breda from fellow Dutch side Feyenoord, having joined in the January transfer window in search of regular playing time.
That is something he has found, often featuring in the heart of their defence since arriving at the beginning of the year.
He has been with Feyenoord since 2017, initially joining their Under 17 side on a free transfer from FC Dordrecht Youth.
It was there that he was seemingly spotted by Liverpool, who, according to the player, were keen on his signature and adding him to their youth ranks at the time.
That, of course, should be no surprise to anyone, given Liverpool have regularly tapped into the Dutch market, with Sepp van den Berg’s arrival from PEC Zwolle a prime example.
When it came to Hendriks, though, they faced frustration, although it seems the player was tempted nonetheless.
“It was a special time for me anyway,” he told Voetbalzone.
“I was able to go to Ajax, to PSV, to Feyenoord, to Liverpool and a few other clubs. Very big names for a fifteen-year-old boy from Dordrecht.
“That club (Feyenoord) just suits me best as a person. It was very difficult to say ‘no’ to Liverpool. I thought about the adventure but decided to choose a relatively surer path.
“I think the toughness of the Premier League would suit me well, and Liverpool would, of course, have the preference.
“I don’t think I would say ‘no’ again if they ever come forward for me, haha. For now, however, I first dream of a full stadium at NAC.”
