Liverpool transfer target made 'biggest mistake' of his career rejecting mega offer

Donis Avdijaj, once a bright prospect for Schalke with an impressive goal-scoring tally in the youth teams, admitted he made his "biggest mistake" by turning down Liverpool.

After boosting his reputation at Schalke, attracting attention from top-tier clubs including Premier League giants and even Real Madrid, Avdijaj chose to stay loyal to Gelsenkirchen.

His time at Schalke didn't pan out as hoped, and reflecting on his past choices, he disclosed to Sport1 in 2020: "My biggest mistake, which I bitterly regret, was turning down another mega offer from Liverpool before I signed the long contract with Schalke, which was a matter close to my heart. I also had one from Real Madrid."

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Despite a promising start scoring 76 goals in 77 appearances for Schalke's U17 and U19 sides, Avdijaj only made 12 top-flight appearances over seven years before transitioning to Willem II. He then became somewhat of a nomad in the football world with stints in multiple countries but never quite securing a permanent spot to call home.

Now 27, the adaptable forward is making waves at Hartberg in Austria's premier division. Avdijaj has wrapped up the season with an impressive tally of 12 goals and six assists from 25 outings under the stewardship of Markus Schopp, who previously managed him during a loan spell at Sturm Graz's reserves ten years ago.

Brendan Rodgers was at the helm of Liverpool when Avdijaj was first rumored to be joining, a period often remembered for its somewhat erratic transfer dealings. The Reds later established a more stable approach to signings under the guidance of the now-departed Jurgen Klopp, and they'll be eager to continue that trend with new boss Arne Slot.

Avdijaj, however, expressed optimism about achieving a successful career at the pinnacle of football.

"I know that it is up to me what my sporting future looks like," he declared. "It certainly doesn't matter whether I've played at one club for five years or have 10 clubs in five years. In the end, only one thing counts for me, namely that I can play football and show what I can do."