HJC Helsinki striker Joel Pohjanpalo has revealed his ongoing dream of being a Liverpool player – just a couple of months after turning down the chance to join the Anfield club.
Pohjanpalo, 18, undertook a one-week trial at Liverpool FC in March 2012 and was reportedly offered a three-year contract in August – but rejected it on the basis that the Reds could not even guarantee him reserve team football.
Choosing instead to continue his development in Finland with HJK Helsinski – who won their fourth straight domestic title on Saturday - young Joel has seemingly had a rethink, the fickle lad, and is again pondering a move to the Premier League.
He revealed in a local TV interview: "I don't know where I'll be playing next season, but it's my dream to play for Liverpool FC one day."
The young striker is under contract at Helsinki until 2015.
Explaining his decision to snub the Reds in August, Pohjanpalo said: "It was a hard decision to reject Liverpool's contract offer. HJK is a good club and there's a great feeling in this group; I can for example call to our assistant manager in my free time to come and play the ball. I'm sure it would not been possible in Liverpool.
"I know I might get an injury or something else and the possibility [of a move to Liverpool] may not necessarily happen again, but I have to move forward and overcome all obstacles when they arise."
Pohjanpalo - aka "the new Jari Litmanen" – has scored 19 goals in 34 senior games for Helsinki, after having scored 33 goals in 23 matches for the reserves.
Former Liverpool player Litmanen, 41, has followed Joel's development closely and stuck his head round the door during the youngster's Anfield trial.
Pohjanpalo reportedly recalled: "He visited me in training when I was on trial at Liverpool. Hopefully, he will continue his career so that I can play alongside him some time."
It's a bit of a Noddy league in Finland, but Joel Pohjanpalo looks a capable type...
