A former Southampton goalkeeper has explained how Liverpool came calling for him after producing a string of clean sheets as a teenager in the Championship.
Bartosz Białkowski joined the Saints from Polish side Gornik Zabrze as an 18-year-old back in January 2006 and produced a shut-out on his debut shortly after, against Crystal Palace. But despite spending six seasons at St Mary's, he only made 42 appearances before leaving for Notts County.
However, his early performances for the Saints attracted interest from Liverpool, according to Białkowski, who wanted him to be understudy to compatriot Jerzy Dudek and by now first-choice stopper Pepe Reina. The interest prompted the Hampshire club to offer him a new deal.
READ MORE: Kalvin Phillips and Man City could force Jurgen Klopp to repeat Liverpool transfer trick next summer
READ MORE: Liverpool have already signed Mohamed Salah replacement but he would have to change position
In an interview with TVPSPORT.PL (as per Hampshire Live ), Białkowski said: "I signed a contract for two and a half years in January 2006. Even though I severed my ligaments, the club still offered to extend my contract. I was just under 19 when I jumped into the goal. After playing five games and despite my injury, Liverpool came for me. Then the club reacted quickly and offered me a new contract on much better terms.
"Of course, the interest from the Reds was very nice, but it was not surprising. More unusual was the fact that the 18-year-old, who had just come from Poland, immediately started playing for the Championship club. In five games played, I kept three clean sheets. This made an impression on the English. They saw a lot of potential in me.
"The club from Anfield was then led by Rafael Benitez, and Jerzy Dudek was already a substitute then, because the Spaniard's first choice was his compatriot Pepe Reina. I extended my cooperation with Southampton three times. I spent a total of six and a half years there. A lot of time and in retrospect, it seems to me that I was there too long, although it was a fun time. I met great people there, with whom I have contact so far."
After playing for County, Białkowski joined Ipswich Town, for whom he made 178 appearances, before joining Millwall following a successful loan spell with the South East London club, where he remains today. The 34-year-old has one cap to his name with Poland but never got to wear the red of Liverpool, despite their interest.
READ NEXT
-
Pep Lijnders has already hinted why Liverpool will undergo another big change this season
-
Darwin Nunez can't make Liverpool £33m transfer mistake as Brendan Rodgers flop reaches new low
-
Liverpool make '€60m informal bid' for Real Madrid star as Thiago Alcantara 'back-up' identified
-
David Beckham explains the moment he was 'forgiven' by Liverpool supporters
-
Darwin Nunez sends exciting three-word message to Liverpool supporters
