Liverpool spent big on Virgil van Dijk and Alisson in 2018, and the duo helped turn the Reds into Premier League winners once again.
More recently, Anfield players have splashed out on Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirths, with the latter becoming Liverpool’s biggest ever signing. But over the years, the Reds have also missed out on bringing iconic players to Anfield.
10 Liverpool superstars almost signed
10
Cristiano Ronaldo
He started with his biggest deal in 2003, when he missed out on signing Cristiano Ronaldo. When the forward was at Sporting CP, Liverpool thought they could sign him for just £4 million.
Former Reds assistant Phil Thompson recalled the story of Ronaldo’s failed move to Merseyside after Manchester United hijacked his contract.
“Everything was very nice and relaxed. ‘It’s £4m and you can pay it over the four years of the contract, so it’s £1m a year.’ That seemed very reasonable. Then I asked about the annual salary and Tony said it was £1m a year net.”
“On Tuesday morning, as I was having lunch at the training ground, I saw an article in the yellow paper on Sky Sports that said, “Manchester United sign Cristiano Ronaldo for £12.2 million.”
“Gerard (Houllier) and I almost choked on our food. I remember Gerard jumping up and saying, ‘What the hell happened?’
9
jude bellingham
Liverpool were close to signing Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund in 2023, but the Reds have decided to back out of the big deal.
Former Reds stars Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold also tried to lure Bellingham during his time in England, but the midfielder opted for Real Madrid instead.
8
Dani Alves
One of the best right-backs to ever play the game, Dani Alves came close to a move to Liverpool in 2006.
Rafael Benitez and the Reds made an £8m deal to sign the Brazilian, but instead chose to use the money to sign Dirk Kuyt. Alves will sign a contract with Barcelona in two years.
7
dele alli
Before signing for Tottenham from MK Dons in 2015, Dele Alli had interest from Liverpool and was keen on a move to Anfield having grown up as a Reds supporter.
The manager at the time, Brendan Rodgers, admitted he was close to a deal, but Spurs ended up paying £5m for Alli.
Dele Alli’s record against Liverpool | |
game | 13 |
victory | 1 |
draw | 5 |
loss | 7 |
the goal | 1 |
6
Diego Maradona
In 1980, Diego Maradona was an unknown teenager who did well for Argentinos Juniors and could have signed for Liverpool.
Liverpool manager Bob Paisley was given the chance to sign Maradona, but the Argentine’s off-field behavior made him hesitant and opposed the move.
5
Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale started his career as a left-back at Southampton, with Liverpool targeting him as a rookie in 2007.
The Welshman was wanted by Liverpool and Benitez, but a transfer fee could not be agreed and Bale ended up joining Tottenham. The Reds ended up signing Argentine Emiliano Insua.
4
Nemanja Vidic
Nemanja Vidic, one of the best centre-backs in Premier League history, was actually wanted by Liverpool before moving to Man United in 2006.
Vidic would spend eight years at Old Trafford, winning five top-flight titles, but Benitez spoke to the Serbian about a move to Anfield.
“Yes, in the days of Rafa Benitez. I spoke to him about some things, but mainly it was my wife who spoke to him. He was interested in signing me, but I don’t know what the problem was at the time.
“However, I spoke to him before I signed for Manchester United. We didn’t meet, but we spoke on the phone in the car in Moscow with my wife translating.
“I didn’t say no. They just said they were interested, they wanted me. It’s going to happen, it’s going to happen. Then someone came along and said: ‘Do you want to play for United?’ And I said yes.”
3
david silva
After winning the World Cup with Spain in 2010, David Silva became a highly sought-after player, leading to his move from Valencia to Manchester City.
However, Liverpool were also in the competition and came close to signing the attacking midfielder. Instead, they will have to face his magic for City for the next 10 years.
2
Michael Laudrup
Michael Laudrup, a teenager in 1983, grew up as a Liverpool supporter and could have joined the Reds during his time at Brondby.
The length of his contract was the biggest hurdle in Laudrup’s move to Anfield, but he ended up joining Serie A side Lazio.
“We actually agreed a contract and came with my dad to talk to the Liverpool representatives. We agreed to a three-year contract and left thinking it was all over.
“But two weeks later they said they wanted to offer me the same package, but for four years because I was still young and needed time to develop. I was disappointed because even though nothing was signed, there was an agreement.”
1
Alexis Sanchez
After Luis Suarez left for Barcelona in 2014, Liverpool were looking to sign another attacking player and attempted to sign Alexis Sanchez.
The Chilean star was at Camp Nou and was due to leave that summer, but instead of heading to Merseyside, Sanchez signed for Arsenal.
