Former Liverpool Director Thought They Could Sign Nuno Mendes, But He Renewed His Contract

Former Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes once believed the club had a realistic chance of signing Nuno Mendes, until the Portugal international completed a contract extension with Paris Saint-Germain.

According to The Athletic, Mendes was once viewed as a viable option for Liverpool at left-back, but he then signed a new contract with Paris Saint-Germain in 2025. The change prompted Hughes to turn to his former club Bournemouth and sign Milos Kerkez.

How good is the Mendes signing Liverpool missed out on?

Mendes has quickly established himself at Paris Saint-Germain as one of the best left-backs in the world, playing a key role as the team won two consecutive Champions League finals. The 24-year-old is an excellent all-around player who could also have excelled in the Premier League.

By comparison, Kerkez had a slow start after joining Anfield. Liverpool fans learning that they missed out on Mendes would undoubtedly feel disappointed — at present, Mendes would almost certainly be considered a better signing than Kerkez.

Other regrets during Hughes' tenure

The report also mentioned other Liverpool targets that Hughes failed to sign during his time at the club:

Liverpool were also interested in Marco Palestra this summer, but he eventually moved to Chelsea.

During his time at Bournemouth, Hughes strongly pushed for Antoine Semenyo, but Manchester City ultimately won the race for his signature.

Hughes has now left Liverpool, but this appears to be just one of many regrets from his time as the club's sporting director.