Liverpool spent huge again in 2018 on Virgil van Dijk and Alisson, with the pair serving to remodel the Reds into Premier League winners as soon as once more.
Extra lately, these at Anfield have splashed the money on Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, with the latter turning into Liverpool’s all-time document signing. Nevertheless, over time, the Reds have additionally missed out on bringing some iconic names to Anfield.
10 superstars Liverpool nearly signed
10
Cristiano Ronaldo
Beginning off with arguably the largest missed deal in Cristiano Ronaldo again in 2003. Liverpool thought they’d their man for simply £4m when the ahead was at Sporting CP.
Former Reds assistant Phil Thompson recalled the story of Ronaldo’s failed transfer to Merseyside, with Manchester United hijacking a deal.
“It was all very good and relaxed. ‘It’s £4 million and it may be paid over the 4 years of his contract, so £1 million a yr’. That appeared very affordable. Then I requested in regards to the wage and Tony advised me it was £1 million a yr, internet.”
“On the Tuesday morning, we had been having lunch on the coaching floor, and it got here up on the yellow strap on Sky Sports activities, ‘Manchester United have signed Cristiano Ronaldo for £12.2 million’.
“Gerard (Houllier) and myself nearly choked on our meals. I can keep in mind Gerard leaping up and saying, ‘What the hell has gone on there?’”
9
Jude Bellingham
Liverpool had been near signing Jude Bellingham when he was at Borussia Dortmund again in 2023, nevertheless, the Reds would pull out of a big-money deal.
Former Reds stars Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold had been even trying to lure Bellingham whereas they had been with England, however as an alternative, the midfielder selected Actual Madrid.
8
Dani Alves
Among the best right-backs the sport has ever seen, Dani Alves got here near a Liverpool switch in 2006.
Rafael Benitez and the Reds struck an £8m settlement to signal the Brazilian however as an alternative opted to make use of the funds on Dirk Kuyt. Alves would go on to signal for Barcelona two years later.
7
Dele Alli
Earlier than signing for Tottenham in 2015 from MK Dons, Dele Alli had curiosity from Liverpool, and being a Reds supporter rising up, was eager on a transfer to Anfield.
Brendan Rodgers was in cost on the time and as soon as admitted a deal was shut, however Spurs ended up paying £5m for Alli.
Dele Alli’s document vs Liverpool | |
Video games | 13 |
Wins | 1 |
Attracts | 5 |
Losses | 7 |
Objectives | 1 |
6
Diego Maradona
In 1980, Diego Maradona was an unknown teenager coming impressing at Argentinos Juniors and will have signed for Liverpool.
Bob Paisley was in cost at Liverpool and was provided the possibility to signal Maradona, nevertheless, he was hesitant in regards to the off-field antics of the Argentine and opted towards a switch.
5
Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale started his profession as a left-back at Southampton, and Liverpool had been after a brand new one in 2007.
The Welshman was wished by Liverpool and Benitez, nevertheless, a charge didn’t be agreed and Bale would be part of Tottenham. The Reds ended up with Argentine Emiliano Insua.
4
Nemanja Vidic
Among the best centre-backs the Premier League has seen, Nemanja Vidic was really wished by Liverpool earlier than his transfer to Man Utd in 2006.
Vidic would spend eight years at Previous Trafford, profitable 5 high flight titles, however Benitez spoke to the Serbian a couple of transfer to Anfield.
“Sure, in Rafa Benitez’s time. I spoke to him about just a few issues, however my spouse was the principle one who spoke to him. He was concerned about signing me, however I do not know what was the issue on the time.
“I spoke to him earlier than I signed for Manchester United, although. I did not meet, however we spoke over the cellphone, in my automobile in Moscow, with my spouse translating.
“I did not say no. They stated simply that they had been , they need me. It was going to occur, going to occur. Then somebody got here and stated: ‘Do you wish to play for United?’ and I stated sure.”
3
David Silva
After profitable the World Cup with Spain in 2010, David Silva was a person in demand and would depart Valencia for Manchester Metropolis.
Nevertheless, Liverpool had been additionally within the race and got here near touchdown the attacking midfielder. As an alternative, they must face his magic for Metropolis over the following 10 years.
2
Michael Laudrup
An adolescent in 1983, Michael Laudrup grew up a Liverpool supporter and will have joined the Reds when he was at Brondby.
The size of a contract was the important thing sticking level relating to Laudrup’s transfer to Anfield, and he ended up becoming a member of Serie A aspect Lazio.
“We really agreed a deal and I came to visit with my father to speak to Liverpool’s representatives. We agreed a three-year contract and went away pondering it was all accomplished.
“However two weeks later they got here again saying they wished to supply me the identical package deal, however for 4 years as a result of I used to be nonetheless younger and wanted time to develop. I used to be disillusioned as a result of though nothing had been signed, we had an settlement.”
1
Alexis Sanchez
After Luis Suarez’s transfer to Barcelona in 2014, Liverpool had been on the seek for a brand new marquee attacking signing and tried to signal Alexis Sanchez.
The Chilean star was on the Nou Camp however would depart that summer season, however as an alternative of heading to Merseyside, Sanchez would signal for Arsenal.
