Yusuf Mersin, a former Liverpool youth player, has reflected on his time on Merseyside as he searches for a new club after leaving non-league Maidstone United following their relegation
A goalkeeper who joined Liverpool for £1 million at the age of 16 is now without a club.
Yusuf Mersin was a promising young keeper at Millwall when he was scouted by the Reds and signed for a seven-figure fee. The Turkish youth international stayed in Merseyside for three years before moving on in 2014. He joined Turkish club Kasmpasa for two years before returning to England, first with Crawley Town in the EFL.
He then dropped into non-league with Dover Athletic and then Maidstone United, who loaned him out to Welling during the previous season. Mersin is now looking for a new club after leaving Maidstone, who were relegated from the National League after finishing bottom of the table.
Whatever happens, the 28-year-old can look back on a memorable three years on Merseyside, where he found success off the field and met his girlfriend.
Mersin recalled his time at Liverpool and his reported price tag, telling KentOnline: “The papers said I cost £1million.” It’s nice to have, even though I didn’t see any money.
“It was probably a few hundred grand with add-ons if I made the 23s or whatever.” It’s insane to think back on it now.”
During his brief second stint as manager, Reds legend Kenny Dalglish contacted Mersin about his big move.
“It was all a bit surreal at the time,” Mersin admitted. “I was still in school when I decided to leave everything behind and start a new life up north.” I had no idea what was going to happen.
“Everything was great in terms of getting me up there and set up, and the club was very focused on college work.” We had meetings where they stated that only 0.1% of players make
“They gave figures like that to say you’re here, you’ve done well, but that doesn’t mean you’ll play for our first team, because the chances are very slim.” You’re here to advance your career, and we’re giving you a chance.”
Mersin expected to be offered a new contract, only to have his hopes dashed when Liverpool, then managed by Brendan Rodgers, chose a young Danny Ward, now of Leicester City.
“To be honest, I thought I was on the verge of a new job,” Mersin admitted. “However, the keeper they pushed is now playing for Leicester, Danny Ward, and he’s done better in his career than I have, so they made the right decision.”
“My last season there, I spent nearly the entire season with the first team after Wardy got hurt.” They were going for the championship that year.
“The first choice was Simon Mignolet, who was incredible in training.” At the end of my contract, I was told verbally that I would most likely get a new job, but I twisted my ankle badly and injured myself, so that was the end of that.
“Mignolet drove me home from Melwood to where I was staying, even though he didn’t have to. I’ll always remember him as a great keeper and a great man.
“It was an unbelievable time, an unbelievable experience, going into these team meetings.” I’m still attached to the club.
“My wife is Scouse, and her entire family is a football fanatic, and I still talk to the first-team goalkeeper coach, John Achterberg, and some of the other guys there.”
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