Liverpool transfer targets rejected Steven Gerrard texts as moves fell apart

The former Liverpool captain was placed in an 'unofficial role' to try and secure transfer targets

Steven Gerrard attempted to lure Willian and Toni Kroos to Liverpool during his time as club captain. The Reds take on Chelsea on Saturday afternoon, with the Anfield legend eager to see his former side get the better of their Premier League opponents.

Despite Gerrard facing the Blues and Real Madrid in European competition, he did attempt to entice some of their stars to join him while he was still at Liverpool. In his 2015 autobiography, titled 'My Story', the former Red disclosed his 'unofficial role' involved attempting to secure deals for transfer targets.

However, he was refused by both Kroos and Willian on different occasions. Reflecting on his pursuit of the Brazilian before his arrival at Stamford Bridge, Gerrard said: "I had an unofficial role at the club, trying to persuade some great players to join Liverpool.

"In 2013, the latest player in our sights was Willian, the Brazilian midfielder. I followed the usual routine when approaching a star player we wanted to sign.

"Instead of calling him directly I always sent a text. It seemed more respectful and allowed the player to read my message at a time when it suited him best.

"I slipped into the groove with Willian. I said hello and hoped he didn't mind me contacting him directly, I stressed how much I admired him as a player.

"And then, having mentioned that I knew Liverpool were speaking to his agent, I used the standard line: 'If you need to chat or ask any questions I'm available at any time.' However, he replied with: 'I'm not sure Liverpool can win me the Champions League.'"

The midfielder ultimately opted for Chelsea in a £30million deal to play under Jose Mourinho, spending seven years at Stamford Bridge. Ironically, Willian left Chelsea without getting his hands on Europe's most coveted prize, while Gerrard won the Champions League once and finished as a runner-up on another occasion, albeit before 2013.

Later in the book, the 45-year-old opened up about his pursuit of Kroos. Gerrard explained: "We [Gerrard and then manager Brendan Rodgers] both admired Toni Kroos immensely.

"I knew Real Madrid were gearing up to make Bayern Munich an offer and so I felt a bit awkward when I texted Kroos. The German was on his way to winning the World Cup with his country and Real were the champions of Europe. But God loves a tirier, and so I gave it a whirl."

Kroos went on to sign with the La Liga giants and became a legend at the Bernabeu, claiming five Champions Leagues and four top-flight titles. He subsequently hung up his boots following Euro 2024, having cemented his place as arguably one of the most celebrated midfielders of his generation.

Despite missing out on several transfer targets, Liverpool still thrived considerably under Gerrard's captaincy during his time at the club.