Liverpool FC Women have officially bolstered their defensive line with the signing of German centre-back Sara Agrež from FC Cologne. The defender, who will wear the iconic No. 23 shirt, arrives on Merseyside eager to test herself in the Barclays Women’s Super League after seven years playing at the highest level in her home country.
Taking her seat at Melwood a training ground steeped in the history of the club’s legendary figures Agrež spoke candidly about the pull of Merseyside, the influence of head coach Gareth Taylor, and her family’s lifelong affinity for the Reds.
For Agrež, the choice to swap the Frauen-Bundesliga for English football was equal parts nerve-wracking and irresistible.
While leaving a comfortable environment in Germany took serious deliberation, the chance to represent a historic institution proved decisive.
"Well, this is a big traditional club in England, one of the biggest clubs in the world I think. The talks with Gareth were really good and I’m just looking forward to being here.
"On one side it was a really tough decision because I felt good [at Cologne] and I was a key player there, so I was feeling good. But on the other side, I was really excited to join Liverpool."
The move also struck a personal chord at home. Growing up in a household with a deep appreciation for Liverpool's history made the decision all the more special.
"They were all really excited because they are already Liverpool fans. It’s just amazing. I have watched Liverpool when Steven Gerrard was playing and it’s just a club with amazing fans and I want to be a part of it."
Stepping into the redeveloped Melwood facility where Gerrard and generations of Liverpool greats honed their craft provided an immediate reality check regarding the scale of the club.
"That is crazy actually! These are just class facilities. You don’t see this every day so I’m really excited to be here every day."
The 25-year-old centre-back brings a tailored mix of modern distribution and classic defensive grit to Liverpool's backline. Known for her presence in aerial duels and calm demeanor on the ball, the 25-year-old defender is eager to show the Travelling Kop exactly what she stands for on the pitch.
"I think I’ve got a good composure in the build-up. As a centre-back I’m quite good in the air and I have a lot of strength. I am very passionate and in all the tackles I like to show my passion, so [the fans] can look forward to that."
Her choice of shirt number the No. 23 famously worn by Jamie Carragher and Robbie Fowler might carry heavy history for the supporters, but for the 25-year-old centre-back, it represents a fresh slate.
"There is no reason actually as I just wanted something new. I’ve never had the No.23 so I just thought to myself, ‘That’s a nice number.’ And I just wanted to try it out."
The Barclays WSL continues to attract top European talent, and the 25-year-old defender views the transition to English football as the ultimate test for the next phase of her career.Pushing herself outside her comfort zone was a primary driver for the move.
"It’s really exciting, there are some very good players, this is one of the best leagues in the world. I want to challenge myself in this league and come out of my comfort zone as I’ve played in Germany for over seven years, so now I want to try something new.
"So, I hope it’s a good match. I think we are going to have a good season. The goal is to be better than last season and to bring Liverpool where it needs to be and I just hope I can help with that."
Connecting with the supporters remains top of mind as matchday approaches.
"I’m excited to meet the Liverpool fans. They are really good fans from what I have seen on the television and there are Liverpool fans all around the world. I am looking forward to seeing them and I will give everything that I can to make them proud."
My take: Why this move hits all the right notes
Look, as someone who follows this club week in and week out, I couldn't be more thrilled about this business. Bringing in a 25-year-old centre-back with seven solid years of high-level European experience under her belt is exactly the kind of ambition we want to see on Merseyside.
She's entering her prime years, brings that mix of aerial composure and pure passion we adore, and clearly understands the gravity of putting on that shirt. When a player genuinely gets what it means to step into Melwood and represent Liverpool, you know they're going to fight for the badge. I think we’ve landed a absolute gem here, and I can't wait to see her anchor our defense this season.
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