According to a report by Barca Universal on Friday, October 16, 2026, former Liverpool captain Graeme Souness has explained why he turned down a contract offer from Barcelona in 1984 before eventually joining Italian club Sampdoria.

The former Scotland international revealed that Barcelona offered him a two-year deal, but he needed a three-year contract because of personal circumstances involving his then-wife. He also admitted that the growing reputation of Italian football played a significant role in his decision to leave Liverpool.

Souness departed Anfield shortly after helping Liverpool win the European Cup in 1984. The Reds defeated Roma in the final, further cementing their status among Europe’s leading clubs. His performances that year also earned him sixth place in the Ballon d’Or rankings.

Speaking to the BBC, Souness explained that his wife’s expected inheritance required her to spend three years outside the country, influencing his plans for the next stage of his career.

“I had to leave Liverpool because my wife at the time was about to inherit money and she had to spend three years out of the country,” Souness explained.

The former midfielder disclosed that Barcelona were interested in signing him, but their proposed contract did not meet his requirements.

“I got offered a two-year deal at Barcelona, which I turned down because I needed three,” he revealed.

With the Spanish giants unable to provide the agreement he wanted, Souness turned his attention to Italy, where Serie A was attracting some of the biggest names in world football during the 1980s.

Sampdoria, backed by owner Paolo Mantovani, were building an ambitious team and viewed the experienced midfielder as an important addition to their project. The Genoa-based club eventually signed him for £650,000 just weeks after Liverpool’s European Cup triumph.

His move to Italy proved productive, as Souness helped Sampdoria win the Italian Cup during his two-season spell with the club.

Barcelona were also undergoing significant changes during that period. Terry Venables was appointed manager in 1984, while Diego Maradona subsequently left the Catalan side to join Napoli.

After completing his time in Italy, Souness returned to British football in 1986, joining Rangers as both a player and manager.

His revelation offers further insight into the circumstances behind his departure from Liverpool and explains how personal considerations, contract negotiations and the appeal of Italian football ultimately shaped his decision to reject Barcelona.