I rejected Liverpool and Arsenal transfers – I wonder if I made right decision
Julian Draxler has opened up on rejecting interest from both Liverpool and Arsenal earlier in his career
Julian Draxler has confessed to having second thoughts about whether he made the right decision to turn down a move to Liverpool earlier in his career. The 32 year old, who now plays for Qatari side Al Ahli, was on the Reds’ radar during Jurgen Klopp’s reign at Anfield.
At that time, he was playing for VfL Wolfsburg but chose to sign for Paris Saint-Germain in a £37m deal in January 2017. The Germany international spent five years in Paris before joining Benfica for the 2023/23 season and then moving to Qatar in September 2023.
During his stint with PSG, he made 198 appearances, scored 26 goals, won four Ligue 1 titles, four Coupe de France and three Coupe de la Ligue, and was part of the team that lost the 2020 Champions League final.
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However, his decision to snub Liverpool coincided with the club’s ascent under Klopp.
The Reds qualified for the Champions League for the first time under Klopp in 2017, lost in the final to Real Madrid the following year and were then crowned European champions in 2019.
During Draxler‘s time at PSG, Liverpool also clinched the Premier League, FIFA Club World Cup, FA Cup, League Cup and European Super Cup.
Liverpool weren’t the only Premier League club interested in Draxler, with Arsenal also showing interest in the playmaker while he was still on the books of Schalke 04.
Now at the age of 32, he maintains that he has no regrets about not signing for either Liverpool or Arsenal. However, he does admit to pondering over what could have been had he made a move to the Premier League.
“There are several,” he responded when asked by BILD, as quoted by Sport Witness, if there was a moment in his career he wished he could revisit and make a different decision. “When I was still very young at Schalke and extended my contract, I could have gone to Arsenal.
“Honestly, I’d be interested to see what would have become of me if I had learned from Arsene Wenger so early.
“I’ve also wondered what would have happened if I hadn’t gone from Wolfsburg to Paris, but to Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
“I had that opportunity, too. Nevertheless, I’m happy. I’m at peace with my decisions.”
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
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