I regret not joining Liverpool – 98-cap Super Eagles star laments
Retold by Oddsrama · 10 July 2026
Moses Simon's career path could have looked dramatically different. The Super Eagles winger, now at Paris FC after a spell with Nantes, has opened up about the one that got away—a move to Liverpool that fell through during his time at Belgian club Gent nearly a decade ago. With 98 caps for Nigeria and a decorated CV across Europe, Simon has still built a solid resume, but the Reds remain unfinished business in his mind.
Back between 2016 and 2018, Simon's form dipped sharply as transfer noise consumed him. Liverpool came closest to pulling the trigger, but several other big names circled too—Tottenham, Brighton, Fulham, Hull City, and Lyon all registered interest. The problem was that Simon let the headlines get in his head. Instead of pushing himself to shine and raise his market value, he went the opposite direction, deliberately underperforming because he thought dropping his level would force Gent to sell him quickly. It backfired badly. The club had bought him for €1 million but wanted €25 million after his breakout season—and his dip in form only complicated negotiations.
Simon now reflects on those years with clarity and regret. He admits he handled the distraction poorly and is using his experience as a cautionary tale for young players. His message is blunt: regardless of speculation, you have to perform. Consistent output protects and increases your value; slacking off does the opposite. For betting purposes, his story underscores how mental struggles and off-field distractions can derail form and career trajectory—always worth tracking when assessing player value and squad morale.
With two caps left to reach 100 for Nigeria, Simon remains among the Super Eagles' most decorated players. The Liverpool dream slipped away, but he's proven durable enough to build a credible career without it.
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