Cesc Fabregas has conceded he was instructed by Barcelona to help persuade Aurelien Tchouameni to join the La Liga club before he signed for their rival Real Madrid.
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The Frenchman was at the top of the wanted list at European clubs amid links with a transfer move to Liverpool and Madrid.
But Tchouameni, who had also been touted as a target for a number of teams like Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, decided on a move to the European champions this summer.
The midfielder moved to the Spanish capital for a fee in the region of £68m, including add-ons, but only after Liverpool manager Klopp made huge efforts to convince him of a move to Merseyside.
Klopp made a special trip to Monaco in order to convince the France international to move to Anfield, while he also held a phone call with the player.
Barcelona were another club who were in the running to sign Tchouameni but were unable to make a move for the midfielder due to their financial limitations.
The Catalans were in the market to sign a long-term replacement for Busquets, who is set to leave the club at the end of his contract next year.
Barcelona signed Franck Kessie as a free agent from Milan while also having de Jong, Pedri and Gavi in more advanced midfield positions. Tchouameni instead joined Madrid, where he was the replacement for Casemiro ahead of the Brazilian’s move to United.
Speaking to Foot Mercato, Fabregas – who played alongside the Frenchman during their time at Monaco – explained: “Yes, it’s true that I talked about Aurelien with Barca. They wanted to start preparing for the succession of Sergio Busquets and he was the perfect player for me.
“But it was at a time when Barca were short of money, and I believe they couldn’t offer more than €40million (£35m). He has since signed at Real, he is a regular there and has become essential to the French team. For me, Aurelien has no limits!”
