“We Were Up for Sale” – Liverpool Legend Reveals he Almost Joined Everton | OneFootball

Almost an Evertonian: Jan Molby’s Revealing Chat with Trev Downey

Football fans, especially those who bleed Liverpool red, know Jan Molby as a legend of the game and one of Anfield’s most beloved figures. However, in a recent episode of Molby on the Spot, hosted by Trev Downey on the Anfield Index, Molby shared a jaw-dropping revelation about his near move to Merseyside rivals Everton.

Jan Molby’s Shocking Near-Move to Goodison Park

During the podcast, Molby recalled the tumultuous days of 1991 under Liverpool’s then-manager Graeme Souness. The Danish maestro, who was among the most influential midfielders of his era, revealed how close he came to switching allegiances to Everton. “We sold Gary Ablett and Peter Beardsley to Everton, and we were basically all up for sale,” Molby said, shedding light on the financial turbulence Liverpool was navigating at the time.

Reflecting on the prospect, Molby admitted, “At first, I thought, I can stay where I am, don’t have to move, don’t have to take my son out of school. But then I thought, no, I can’t.” His candour highlighted the emotional and professional dilemmas that often underpin football’s big decisions.

Lunch with Howard Kendall: The Unofficial Approach

The story takes an intriguing twist when Molby described the approach from Howard Kendall, Everton’s legendary manager. “Howard Kendall rang up Rushy (Ian Rush) and me and said, ‘Meet me in town,’” Molby revealed. This led to a surreal lunch meeting that could have altered the course of Merseyside football history. “Can you imagine? Howard Kendall, Ian Rush, and Jan Molby having lunch in an Italian in Liverpool,” he quipped.

Photo: IMAGO

Molby, though, never signed on the dotted line. “The deal was never discussed again after Graeme Souness said, ‘Jan is no longer for sale,’” he explained. But the story, he noted, speaks volumes about football’s unpredictability in those days, adding, “Managers just called each other back then—none of today’s third parties.”

The Weight of the Rivalry

For Molby, the thought of playing at Goodison Park in an Everton shirt was unimaginable. “Not that they didn’t do wonders for Gary and Peter,” he said, acknowledging the success of his former teammates at Everton. “But I just couldn’t have done that.”

This revelation isn’t just a tale of what could have been; it’s a reminder of the fierce rivalry that defines Merseyside football. Molby’s integrity and love for Liverpool won the day, ensuring his legacy remained firmly etched in the hearts of Reds everywhere.

A Story of Loyalty and Legacy

The podcast episode, as always, was a treat for fans of Liverpool FC, offering unique insights into the behind-the-scenes moments that shaped the club’s history. Trev Downey’s skilful hosting allowed Molby’s storytelling to shine, giving listeners a front-row seat to this incredible slice of football lore.

As Molby reflected, the episode serves as a poignant reminder of the game’s human side, where decisions are often as much about loyalty and identity as they are about ambition.

For more stories like this, tune in to Molby on the Spot on the Anfield Index, where Jan Molby and Trev Downey dissect the past, present, and future of Liverpool FC with unparalleled wit and wisdom.