Liverpool He spent big in 2018 on Virgil van Dijk and Alisson, with the duo helping to transform the Reds into Premier League Winners again.
Recently, those at Anfield have spent money on Hugo Ekiteke and Florian Wirtz, with the latter becoming Liverpool’s all-time record signing. However, over the years, the Reds have also failed to bring in some high-profile names to Anfield.
10 Liverpool stars they almost signed
10
Cristiano Ronaldo
The debut was arguably Cristiano Ronaldo’s biggest missed signing of 2003. Liverpool thought they had their man for just £4m when the striker was at Sporting Lisbon.
Former Reds assistant Phil Thompson I remembered the story of Ronaldo’s failed transfer to Merseyside, with Manchester United hijacking the deal.
“It was all very nice and relaxed. ‘It’s £4m and it can be paid over the four years of his contract, so £1m a year.’ It seemed very reasonable. Then I asked about the salary and Tony told me it was £1m a year, net.”
“On Tuesday morning, we were having lunch at the training ground and the yellow ticker on Sky Sports showed, ‘Manchester United have signed Cristiano Ronaldo for £12.2m’.
“Gerard (Ollier) and I almost choked on our food. I can remember Gerard jumping up and saying: ‘What the hell happened there?’
9
Jude Bellingham
Liverpool were close to signing Jude Bellingham when he was at Borussia Dortmund in 2023, however, the Reds will pull out of a big-money deal.
Former Reds stars Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold were looking to lure Bellingham during their time with England, but instead the midfielder has opted for Real Madrid.
8
Dani Alves
One of the best right-backs the game has ever seen, Dani Alves was close to moving to Liverpool In 2006.
Rafael Benitez and the Reds reached an £8m deal to sign the Brazilian, but instead chose to use the money on a deal for Dirk Kuyt. Alves would go on to sign for Barcelona two years later.
7
Daily Alli
Before signing for Tottenham in 2015 from MK Dons, Dele Alli has had interest from LiverpoolBeing a Reds fan, he was keen on moving to Anfield.
Brendan Rodgers was in charge at the time and he once admitted a deal was close, but Spurs ended up paying £5m for Alli.
|
Dele Alli scored against Liverpool |
|
|
games |
13 |
|
victories |
1 |
|
He paints |
5 |
|
losses |
7 |
|
Objectives |
1 |
6
Diego Maradona
In 1980, Diego Maradona was an unknown teenager coming to Argentinos Juniors and could have signed for Liverpool.
Bob Paisley was in charge of Liverpool and was offered the chance to sign Maradona, however, he was hesitant about the Argentine’s off-field antics and chose not to transfer.
5
Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale started his career as a left-back at Southampton, and Liverpool were looking to sign a new player in 2007.
The Welshman was wanted by Liverpool and Benitez, however, a fee failed to be agreed and Bale joined Tottenham. The red team ended up with Argentine Emiliano Insua.
4
Nemanja Vidic
One of the best centre-backs the Premier League has ever seen, Nemanja Vidic was already wanted by Liverpool before his move to Manchester United in 2006.
Vidic spent eight years at Old Trafford, winning five Premier League titles, but Benitez has spoken to the Serbian about a move to Anfield.
“Yes, in Rafa Benitez’s time. I talked to him about some things, but it was mainly my wife who talked to him. He was interested in signing me, but I don’t know what the problem was at that time.”
“I spoke to him before signing for Manchester United, though. I didn’t meet him, but we spoke on the phone, in my car in Moscow, with my wife who was translating for us.”
“I didn’t say no. They just said they were interested in me, they wanted me. It was going to happen, it was going to happen. Then someone came 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 is a sought-after man and will leave Valencia for Manchester City.
However, Liverpool were also in the race and came close to signing the attacking midfielder. Instead, they will have to contend with his magic at City over the next ten years.
2
Michael Laudrup
teenager in 1983, Michael Laudrup grew up a Liverpool supporter He could have joined the Reds while at Brondby.
The length of the contract was the main sticking point regarding Laudrup’s move to Anfield, and he ended up joining Serie A side Lazio.
“We had already agreed a deal and I came with my father to speak to Liverpool’s representatives. We agreed a three-year contract and went away thinking it was all over.
“But two weeks later they came back saying they wanted to make me the same offer, but for four years because I was still young and needed time to develop. I was disappointed because even though nothing was signed, we had an agreement.”
1
Alexis Sanchez
After Luis Suarez moved to Barcelona in 2014, Liverpool were looking to sign a new striker and tried to sign Alexis Sanchez.
The Chilean star was at Camp Nou but would leave that summer, but instead of heading to Merseyside, Sanchez would sign for Arsenal.
https://static0.footballfancastimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/liverpool.jpg?w=1600&h=900&fit=crop
Source link