A phone call from Fernando Torres helped convince ex-Liverpool defender Glen Johnson to join the club in 2011 instead of Chelsea and Manchester City.

Johnson moved to Anfield in 2009 after a three-year spell at Portsmouth where he won an FA Cup and played European football.

After an excellent spell at Fratton Park following his departure from Chelsea, the defender has established himself in the English squad and as one of the best full-backs in the Premier League.

His move to Liverpool saw him win the League Cup in 2012, and he was a regular in the team that finished runners-up in the Premier League under Brendan Rodgers in 2013/14.

He made exactly 200 appearances in all competitions as a Reds player before being released in 2015, before spending the last three seasons of his career at Stoke. Johnson has since openly explained what led to his move to Liverpool, while rejecting bids from Manchester City and Chelsea, who wanted to re-sign him.

One of the Reds’ key players at the time was Fernando Torres, the Spaniard signed from Atlético Madrid in 2007.
In his first two seasons with the club, he scored 38 Premier League goals. At this point, there were still 18 months to go before his ill-fated £50million move to Chelsea.

And Johnson explained in a 2021 interview how the Liverpool striker, along with star teammates Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso, played a key role in his decision to move to Anfield despite Liverpool’s inability to continuously compete for the Premier League to fight for titles in the seasons before his arrival.

He told the Liverpool Echo: “Obviously when a club like Liverpool comes knocking you immediately have an eye and an interest.”

“But what a momentum it was, we played for England that summer just before I signed and I had a good chat with Stevie. And then I also spoke to Torres and Alonso before signing.

“I just thought they were some of the best players in the world. They don’t have to call me, but they called me to tell me how much they wanted me to participate.”
“I immediately felt like I knew her and felt super welcomed before I signed and everything went smoothly.”

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AC Milan are interested in a €30 million Liverpool target to replace Sandro Tonali.

Florentino Luis Price named as AC Milan target for Liverpool

The transfer rumor continues to simmer and Liverpool have been linked with another promising midfielder. Florentino Luis, a player previously linked with the Reds, has emerged as a potential target for AC Milan.

However, recent reports suggest the Portuguese midfielder will be available this summer for a relatively modest €30m (£25m) transfer fee.

This development raises the question of whether Liverpool should rekindle their interest in the talented Benfica player.

AC Milan’s interest in Florentino Luis stems from their search for a replacement for Newcastle United move

Sandro Tonali. Via ECHO, Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has touted the Portuguese midfielder as an option for the Serie A club. This news, combined with the affordable price tag, represents an interesting opportunity for Liverpool to consider.

Sandro Tonali. Via ECHO, Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has touted the Portuguese midfielder as an option for the Serie A club.

This news, combined with the affordable price tag, represents an interesting opportunity for Liverpool to consider. At just 23, Luis has already shown tremendous potential in his career.

Known for his defensive skills, he possesses excellent tackling, interception and positional awareness skills.
With the need to add depth and quality to the team, the acquisition of Florentino could respond to these needs.

His skills match Liverpool’s style of play, emphasizing pressure, intensity and quick transitions.

Luis’ defensive prowess would complement the team’s energetic approach and provide a platform for offensive talents to flourish.

Given Liverpool’s success in integrating players into Jurgen Klopp’s system, the Portuguese midfielder could find success alongside the club’s existing midfielders.

Competition from AC Milan and potential interest from other clubs could complicate matters. Still, the affordability of Florentino Luis’ price is an interesting assessment for Liverpool.

The Portuguese midfielder’s defensive strength and versatile abilities make him an attractive target for the Reds.

As the transfer window progresses, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool will reignite their interest and sign Florentino Luis.