Liverpool transfer target had 'suitcase packed' before late Anfield move fell apart

Mexico winger Cesar Huerta let slip that he was moments away from signing for Liverpool, having had his “suitcase ready” before the transfer unexpectedly fell through. The rising star, who lights up the flanks for Pumas, was at the centre of fevered speculation last month, with reports suggesting Arne Slot’s side were eyeing a move for the 23-year-old talent.

According to Mexican broadcaster TUDN, Huerta was tantalisingly close to securing a dream switch to Liverpool in a deal that would have involved a loan stint at Championship side Sunderland this season, ahead of a full integration into the Liverpool squad next summer.

However, in a twist of fate, it appears Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris reportedly pulled the plug on the proposed loan move, thus unravelling the entire arrangement and ending Huertas’ immediate hopes of a switch to the Premier League giants.

Huerta, primarily a lethal force on the left-wing and nearing the end of his contract, has since hinted that the Liverpool opportunity has likely slipped through his fingers.

“There was an issue,” Huerta divulged to Spanish news outlet AS after Mexico’s stalemate with Canada in Texas. “I had my suitcase ready, but it fell through because of an issue.”

Despite the setback, the enterprising winger remains optimistic about his future prospects. “I know that sooner or later, if I keep doing things right, I’ll get the opportunity,” he added. “I know it’s a train that only comes once and I’m focused on Pumas.”

UNAM president Luis Raul Gonzalez Perez shed further light on the collapsed deal, confirming that external factors beyond the player and club’s control were to blame. “It had nothing to do with the club or his intention,” he said, defending both Huerta’s commitment and the club’s support for his ambitions.

Liverpool had to navigate through some complications that affected the transfer strategies, as Perez stated: “External circumstances of the teams themselves meant it could not materialise. I repeat, not because of the quality of Huerta, but because of external circumstances.”

The Reds did beef up their attacking line though, securing Federico Chiesa from Juventus before the transfer window slammed shut, and he could make his debut against Nottingham Forest.