Super Eagles and Paris FC winger Moses Simon has admitted that failing to secure a move to Liverpool remains one of the biggest regrets of his professional career, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 30-year-old, who is on the back of his first season with Ligue 1 newcomers Paris FC after leaving FC Nantes, has enjoyed a successful career spanning Belgium, France, and the Nigerian national team.
Simon has established himself as one of the most consistent performers for the Super Eagles, earning 98 caps and becoming one of the senior figures in the squad.
However, the former Gent winger has now revealed that things could have turned out differently had he completed a dream transfer to the Premier League nearly a decade ago.
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Super Eagles: Why Moses Simon regrets failed Liverpool move
Speaking in an interview with Urban Dwell Sport, Simon reflected on a difficult period in his career when persistent transfer speculation affected his mentality and caused a dip in form.
The one-time Belgian Champion disclosed that several clubs, including Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton, Fulham, Hull City and French giants Lyon, were interested in signing him during his time in Belgium.
According to the Super Eagles star, Liverpool came closest to securing his signature, but the move ultimately failed to materialise.
“From 2016 to 2018, I dropped in form because I wanted to make a transfer,” Simon said.
“Liverpool wanted to sign me, I think Hull City, Fulham, Brighton, Tottenham, and Lyon also. We played against them in the Europa League in 2017.
“But, you know, when you read all this in the newspapers, some are true while some are rumours.”
The Nigerian international admitted that missing out on the Liverpool switch affected him mentally, leading him to lose motivation at Gent.
“So the first year, I didn’t make it. I didn’t get a transfer. The second year, I was supposed to go to Liverpool. It didn’t work.
“In my head, I was like, ‘Is it the agent or the club? I don’t want to play.’
“So I was putting it in my head: ‘Whether I play or I don’t play, I don’t care.”
Moses Simon further revealed that he mistakenly believed reducing the quality of his performances would force Gent into cashing in on him, considering he had several suitors.
“I think if I don't play, the club will find a way quickly to sell me.
“The club bought me for €1 million, but after one year, they wanted €25 million.”
Looking back, the Paris FC winger believes he handled the situation poorly and has urged young footballers not to allow transfer rumours to affect their performances.
“If I was an experienced player, I would push for everything because the more you play, the more market value you have.
“So every young player out there, whether there’s 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. This is the contract you signed,” the 98-cap Super Eagles winger concluded.
Despite missing out on Liverpool, Simon has gone on to enjoy a distinguished career, winning multiple trophies and becoming one of Nigeria's most-capped players in history. However, the thought of what could have been at Anfield remains a lingering regret for the Super Eagles star.
With two caps left to hit the 100-appearance milestone, the former Levante winger could join Alex Iwobi, Joseph Yobo, Ahmed Musa and Vincent Enyeama on Nigeria's centurion list.
