Luis Diaz's father has admitted there were "many suitors" for his son but Tottenham's hesitancy saw them miss out to Liverpool.
The winger moved from Porto to Anfield late in the January transfer window in a deal that could rise to £50m.
Tottenham were in for the Colombian as Antonio Conte sought to bolster his squad before the Reds stole a march.
Diaz will now provide competition for the likes of Mo Salah and Sadio Mane having made his debut on Sunday in the FA Cup.
His father admits that his son was not short of options with speed of negotiations proving key for Liverpool.
He told Colombian radio station Bluradio : “There were many suitors who wanted Luis’ services, but he had the dream of reaching Liverpool because Liverpool are an elite team.
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“Tottenham was one. Roma was also left behind in the process. They hesitated a lot and let themselves be caught by Liverpool. Liverpool were faster than them, they needed him and they took him away."
Tottenham's January business was criticised before they acted by bringing in several players on deadline day.
Liverpool meanwhile have been renowned for the way they operate in the transfer market.
They look to have again exercised the January window well having previously signed the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Virgil van Dijk midseason.
Diaz made his debut in Sunday's win over Cardiff City at Anfield.
His father commented on his son's first impressions of football in England.
He said: “After the first game, he told me that it was a team that works hard, complete, in which he will feel comfortable and will have the chance to play with high-performance players."
Diaz laid on a strike for Takumi Minamino in the 3-1 success with Jurgen Klopp full of praise.
He said: "The goal he set up for Taki was absolutely incredible: high press, counter-press, I love it, and then Taki finished it off."
The German spoke immediately after the signing about what the winger would bring to his squad having eyed him for a prolonged period.
“I could not be happier that we’ve been able to get this deal done and bring Luis to Liverpool,” the manager told the club's website.
“I have always been a believer in only signing players in January if you would want to sign them in the summer, and that’s very much the case with Luis.
“He is an outstanding player and someone we’ve been tracking for a very long time."
