Riyad Mahrez has revealed that he could have been lining up in the red of Liverpool, had it not been for Mohamed Salah.
After playing a big role in Leicester's title-winning campaign of 2016, Mahrez announced at the end of the following season that he wished to leave the club.
That sparked interest from several clubs, including Arsenal, but it wasn't until 2018 that he eventually got his move.
By then Salah had already moved to Anfield in the previous summer, but Mahrez revealed things could have panned out a lot different.
Speaking to beIN Sports on Instagram Live, Mahrez said: "Before signing for Manchester City, there was interest from Liverpool in me, but as soon as they took Mohamed Salah, it was finished."
One stumbling block for Liverpool could have perhaps been the transfer fee, given they signed Salah for £35million, while Mahrez cost City almost double that.
Leicester had tied down Mahrez to a new long-term deal after their title triumph, to ward off outside interest in the 2016 PFA Player of the Year.
He arguably represented less of a risk to potential suitors than Salah, who had already endured one failed spell in the Premier League.
Though Liverpool's decision was soon justified when Salah won the PFA award after his first impressive season at the club.
The Egyptian also succeeded Mahrez in winning African Player of the Year in consecutive seasons.
Mahrez meanwhile has enjoyed considerable success with City, without quite experiencing the same hero status he had developed at Leicester.
Both Liverpool and City face losing the key players this coming winter as they report for African Cup of Nations duty.
The tournament, which kicks off in January, could see both Mahrez and Salah away for up to two months during the middle of the Premier League season.
Mahrez said: "Let’s make AFCON once every 4 years and in summer. We loved Egypt, it wasn’t too hot.
"Every 2 years and in winter, that is why African football is not respected. You have a crazy amount of action in your own clubs, then you leave for two months."
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