Willian Pacho breaks silence after 'choosing PSG transfer' over Liverpool

Willian Pacho has broken his silence since "choosing" Paris Saint-Germain over Liverpool this summer.

The former Eintracht Frankfurt defender emerged as a rumored transfer target for the Reds this month but instead moved to the French champions in a deal worth £45 million ($57.3 million), signing a long-term contract that keeps him at the club until 2029.

Having impressed across 44 appearances in all competitions for Frankfurt last season, in what was his debut campaign after arriving from Royal Antwerp 12 months ago, Pacho was targeted by the Reds as a potential replacement for Joel Matip following his departure at the end of last season.

READ MORE: Liverpool agrees Fabio Carvalho transfer as sell-on clause included in deal
READ MORE: Liverpool star could follow Martin Odegaard example in loan-swap transfer deal

However, Pacho has instead opted for a move to the French capital, where he hopes to "win lots of trophies" with PSG. Following his move, the Ecuadorian has opened up on why he chose the Parisian giants despite interest from elsewhere.

Speaking to PSG’s official website , the 22-year-old said: “This is a huge club, and I’m really excited to be part of this family now. The project is ambitious, the way they work, the coach - everything about it appeals to me!

"When the club reached out, I didn’t hesitate for a second. I’m confident that being here will help me grow both as a person and a player, and I’ll give it my all!”

From what Pacho said, it seems as though PSG was always going to be his first choice, regardless of interest from Liverpool and other clubs elsewhere. Had Liverpool revealed its project to the Ecuador international, it would be interesting as to why he felt he was better suited at the Parc de Princes.

Regardless, Liverpool has certainly missed out on a promising defender, who ranked among Frankfurt's best players for duels won and passes completed last season, according to a Bundesliga report earlier this week.

Naturally left-footed, too, he was exactly what Arne Slot and co. were looking for amid their search for a long-term center-back partner for club captain Virgil van Dijk . Having helped Frankfurt keep seven clean sheets on its way to a sixth-placed finish in the Bundesliga, Pacho had emerged as one of Europe's highest prospects.

As for Liverpool, the search continues for a new center-back, with Ibrahima Konate , Joe Gomez and emerged as a rumored transfer target for the Reds the other current options to partner Van Dijk this season. According to reports, however, two more targets have recently emerged .

It's been claimed that Wolfsburg’s Maxence Lacroix and Benfica’s Antonio Silva are two potential players who could make the switch to Anfield before the transfer window is out, with Silva, in particular, the standout having also emerged as one of Europe's most highly-rated defenders.