Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp insisted Divock Origi would not be allowed to leave this summer.
Origi signed a new contract this week.
But the London Evening Standard says Klopp had made the bold call on Origi before he returned from his summer holidays.
The bold decision would have been risky as the 24-year-old would have subsequently been available on a free transfer come next summer.
Rather than sell for a fee ahead of the 2019/20 season, Klopp would have forced a potentially unsettled Origi to hang around. But the manager convinced him he has a big part to play in the team.
Assurances of game time have been passed on to Origi, who felt comfortable enough to sign an improved deal.
