Liverpool’s principal owner, John W. Henry, has openly admitted his frustration over a transfer mistake that still lingers at Anfield.
In a rare media appearance, Henry reflected on the sale of Mateo Castillo back in 2021, a decision he now considers one of the club’s biggest errors.
“We let him go far too cheaply,” Henry said. “Today, his market value is higher than both Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ékitiké combined. That’s something we still regret.”
The Transfer That Backfired
At just 20 years old, Castillo was sold for £12m after Jürgen Klopp opted for established players over youth prospects. Despite flashes of talent, he wasn’t seen as ready for Liverpool’s first team.
Fast forward to 2025, and Castillo has exploded in Germany, valued between €160m–€180m, far surpassing Wirtz’s £116m valuation and Ékitiké’s €80m.
“One of Our Worst Decisions”
A senior figure at the club described the move bluntly:
“It remains one of Liverpool’s poorest transfer calls.”
Under Michael Edwards, Liverpool became known for smart business in the market — but Castillo’s departure stands out as a painful exception.
Lessons Learned
Henry stressed that Liverpool have adjusted their approach:
“From now on, we factor in future potential. A player who is good now but has the chance to be great tomorrow is worth far more.”
The club now prioritizes long-term growth over short-term fixes, aiming to avoid repeating costly oversights.
For Liverpool, Castillo’s rise is more than just a missed opportunity — it’s a reminder that undervaluing raw talent can hurt more than holding onto it
