Ex-Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Adam Bogdan has shared his experience of his unexpected transfer to Liverpool.
In the summer of 2015, the Hungarian goalie was snapped up by Brendan Rodgers, despite being second choice for then-Championship Bolton. With Simon Mignolet establishing himself as the Reds’ No.1, Bogdan only made six appearances in all competitions, which all came during his first season with the club.
He was loaned out to Wigan Athletic and Scottish Premiership team Hibernian, before being let go by Liverpool at the start of the 2019/20 season. Despite limited opportunities to shine at the club, Bogdan remains proud of his surprise stint at Anfield, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Speaking exclusively to Ladbrokes Fanzone, Bogdan shed light on how his move to Merseyside unfolded. He said: “As we were crossing the border, I got a call from my agent.
“He told me that it looked like Liverpool were going to be making contact. It was unbelievable for me. I was so happy, I was so proud, and so excited.
“All of these emotions, it was so huge. I wasn’t afraid, or anything like that; I was ready for it. I knew the standard was going to be higher, but I was ready. It’s something I was really proud of.”
Bogdan lasted eight seasons at Bolton between 2007 and 2015. Signed as a young 18-year-old goalkeeping prospect from Hungarian side Vasas SC in 2007, he spent a season with the U23s before he was integrated into the first team.
He would go on to make 120 appearances for the Trotters, keeping 25 clean sheets in all competitions. Considering he had fallen down the pecking order at Bolton, Liverpool’s interest in him raised plenty of eyebrows.
But while Bogdan himself was taken aback by Liverpool’s interest, he thinks he can specifically identify the day he caught the eye of the club’s scouts.
He explained: “I played in an FA Cup game in the January, and it was probably one of the best games I had for the club… not just in terms of saves, but psychology.
“I felt completely focused and balanced, playing at Anfield. And I think that must have been picked up, or I must have left some sort of impression on the people at Liverpool.
“I don’t think it was anything more than that, but later on that year, obviously Brad Jones left the club, which meant the spot for second-choice was open at the club. I think they wanted somebody with experience in England, which obviously I had.”
