Dávid Hancko, a 26-year-old defender, was a mainstay at Feyenoord, where Arne Slot led the club until last season, and has been a regular in the team this season after his departure, making over 20 appearances.
He has also pitched for the Slovak national team in 48 games and is a promising centre-back in Europe.
The former Sparta Prague defender was linked with moves to Liverpool and Atletico Madrid during the summer transfer window, but ultimately stayed in the Netherlands. He has been used as a left-back as well as a centre-back.
The player had been in contact with former manager Slot, who was now in charge at Anfield, but revealed that nothing concrete was ever going to happen in terms of age and money in terms of a move to Liverpool.
“I was in contact with the coach, but he immediately told me that it was not possible,”
“Liverpool has a certain transfer philosophy. Age was one problem, the other was the price. Both factors did not speak in my favour.”
“I’m not surprised that such a big club like Liverpool has signed him,”
“Hopefully within a few years he will be seen as one of the best trainers in the world.”
“He is a very good coach and I wish him the best of luck. I have a feeling he will do well at Liverpool because he will now be working with better players than at Feyenoord.”
SFZ Podcast
It seems unlikely that he will ever move to Liverpool, but as a defender with a growing reputation in Europe, does he have a future playing for a strong club in England, Spain or Italy…?