Steven Gerrard wishes Liverpool had signed Arsenal star before club-record transfer

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has praised Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice after his Champions League performance, admitting he wishes the Reds had signed the England international before his £105m move to the Emirates

Steven Gerrard has confessed he ‘wished Liverpool signed’ Declan Rice before his switch to Arsenal.

Rice, 27, completed a club-record £105 million ($139 million) move to the Gunners in July 2023 following an impressive spell that saw him rack up over 200 senior appearances for West Ham. Since arriving at the Emirates Stadium, the England international has elevated his performances significantly, becoming ‘one of the best in the world’ according to Gerrard.

The midfielder has proved crucial to Mikel Arteta’s squad over the past two-and-a-half years, particularly this season as the Gunners mount their Premier League title challenge. His exceptional and reliable displays have led some to suggest Rice should be considered for Player of the Year honors.

However, former Liverpool midfielder Gerrard remains regretful that the Reds failed to secure Rice’s signature before Arsenal. Following the Gunners’ Champions League Round of 16 victory over Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday – where Rice found the back of the net – Gerrard told TNT Sports: “Winning the ball back, excellent finish, Declan Rice was Man of the Match and he is going from strength to strength as well.”

When questioned about his assessment of the player, Gerrard responded: “He’s one of the best in the world. It was a fantastic move for him, I wish we (Liverpool) signed him here actually.

“He did a good job under David Moyes at West Ham, he schooled him on how to play in the position tactically.

“His confidence playing for England and being around that group of players. He has just gone to the next level now at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta, it has been fantastic coaching from him and he is up there now with a shout for the world’s best in that position and in that role.”

Over the summer, whilst Arsenal signed Rice, Liverpool welcomed Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo, as the Reds overhauled their midfield.

Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, on the other hand, sought new opportunities elsewhere.

Since joining the club, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Gravenberch have established themselves as key contributors for the Reds, and all three played pivotal roles in Liverpool’s Premier League title triumph last season.