OPINION
They say that hindsight sees in 20/20.
Nowhere is that more true than in professional football. If ever there was a game built on ifs, buts, and maybes it is this one.
And nowhere does counter-factuality rear its head more frequently than in the transfer market.
The nature of the constant chopping and changing and rumour-mongering encourages fans to dream about expensive new additions and unearthing that one hidden gem who could elevate their side to the next level.
When things don’t work out as they were expected to, it then encourages a knee jerk reaction posited on what might have been.
And after the latest report from Tribal Football, Liverpool fans will certainly be feeling as if they missed out.
According to Memphis Depay’s biographer, Simon Zwartkuis, the Dutchman came within a whisker of moving to Anfield, but for one crucial decision.
Zwartkuis said: “In 2015 he was very close to move to Liverpool. Rodgers invited him at his home in England and they had a good and positive conversation.
“Memphis thought for a while he would move to Liverpool, but at a certain point the club told him a new striker was their number one priority and after that they would move on with Memphis.”
That striker was Christian Benteke, and Depay elected to join Manchester United instead.
It’s safe to say that the 6’3″ Belgian [Transfermarkt] was something of a flop on Merseyside, and things haven’t gotten much better for him since then.
Last year, for Crystal Palace, he scored just once despite having 1.6 shots per game, and his pass completion rate was just 56.9%, as per Whoscored.
In fairness, Depay struggled to make a name for himself in England too, but since moving to Lyon, he has been electric.
Last year he hit 10 goals and assisted 10 more at a rate of 3.3 shots per game, and he also managed 3.1 key passes per match as well, as per Whoscored.
In short, he has grown into a real dazzler, with the promise and ability to go all the way to the top.
Looking back on it now, the Reds must surely be kicking themselves.
