European giant-linked winger now admits why he didn’t sign for Liverpool

In a revelation that might surprise many Liverpool fans, highly-rated Swedish winger Momodou Sonko has finally opened up on why he didn’t make the switch to Merseyside during his teenage years. The 20-year-old, currently making waves in the Belgian Pro League with Gent, admitted that the timing simply wasn’t right for such a monumental move.

Back in 2017, Sonko was just a budding talent—young, raw, and full of potential. Liverpool had taken notice early on, even offering the then-teenage winger a chance to trial with the club. For many youngsters, such an offer from one of Europe’s top clubs would be a no-brainer. But for Sonko, patience and self-awareness proved to be the smarter route.

Sonko, now thriving in Belgium, has tallied seven goal contributions in 40 appearances across all competitions—a solid return for a player still finding his feet in top-tier European football. His decision to stay back and continue his development in Sweden before stepping up to Gent now looks incredibly wise in retrospect.

Speaking in a candid interview with Expressen, Sonko detailed the thinking behind his rejection of Liverpool’s interest. “No, the way I look at it is that they were already interested there and I went there and tried it out a bit,” he explained. “I felt I was a little too young to move but they have continued to keep an eye on me.“

That single sentence encapsulates maturity beyond his years. Rather than getting caught up in the glamour of the Premier League, Sonko prioritized his own development. It’s a decision that may have delayed his exposure to the limelight but has put him on a firmer path.

Sonko continued, “The development in Sweden has been good before I moved so it feels quite natural.” It’s a humble but honest statement, and a nod to the footballing infrastructure in Scandinavia that continues to produce technically proficient and mentally grounded players.

Had Sonko joined Liverpool in 2017, he would have entered a squad teeming with attacking talent, including Sadio Mané, who was in the prime of his career. Breaking into a lineup that would go on to win the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League in 2020 would have been an uphill battle, even for the most gifted youngster.

The winger’s comments show just how thoughtful and strategic he’s been with his career decisions. While many prospects rush into big moves and fade away, Sonko opted for gradual progression—and it’s paying off.

As Liverpool enters a new era under Arne Slot, the spotlight on Sonko might intensify. With Slot now at the helm and already impressing in his debut season by steering the club to another Premier League title, the project at Anfield is once again appealing to Europe’s most talented youngsters.

Sonko himself has not ruled out admiration for the Reds’ current dominance. Speaking about the club’s 2024/25 season, he praised their performance both domestically and in Europe. “Yes, absolutely incredible. They have been superior in the Premier League,” he said. “They looked very strong in the Champions League too before they had a tough match at PSG. It has been an incredibly good season. A very good debut season for the coaches too.“

With such praise, it’s clear the admiration is mutual. Liverpool still monitors the winger closely, and with their tradition of nurturing young talent, a move in the future can’t be ruled out entirely.

That being said, the left-wing remains one of Liverpool’s most stacked positions. Between Luis Díaz and Cody Gakpo, the club boasts depth and dynamism. Any new addition would need to offer something drastically different or be brought in with long-term development in mind.

Sonko’s rise hasn’t gone unnoticed in the scouting departments, but there is a lingering question: Is he ready now? Or would another season or two of consistent performance in Belgium be the right next step?

Historically, Liverpool have opted to sign players before they peak, ensuring value and time to integrate. Sonko might very well fit that model if his development continues on the same upward trajectory.

As the summer transfer window heats up, names like Sonko will continue to circulate. But for now, the Swede appears grounded, focused, and aware of the journey still ahead.

For Liverpool, it’s another case of what could have been—but also what still might be. The Reds have missed out on talents before, only to circle back when the time is right. The Sonko story might still be in its early chapters.

For now, Gent and Sweden will enjoy watching one of their brightest talents grow. And Liverpool fans? They’ll be watching too—perhaps not with regret, but with hope that this young winger’s journey could still bring him to Anfield when the stars finally align.