Liverpool FC has had its fair share of transfer market successes, but not every pursuit ends in triumph.
Some of the world’s best players have famously turned down the chance to don the famous red shirt. Here, we look at five superstar players who rejected Liverpool, starting with number 5 and counting down to the most significant snub.
5. Diego Costa: The One Who Got Away Twice
In 2013, Liverpool were desperate to strengthen their attack and identified Diego Costa as the perfect addition. They triggered his 25 million euro buyout clause at Atlético Madrid and offered him a significant pay raise. Surprisingly, Costa turned down the offer, choosing to stay loyal to Atlético despite the financial incentive. The very next year, however, he made a move to the Premier League – but to Chelsea, not Liverpool. This double rejection stung the Reds, as Costa would go on to become one of the Premier League’s top strikers.
4. Moisés Caicedo: A Change of Heart
In the summer of 2023, Liverpool came very close to signing Moisés Caicedo from Brighton. They even reached a club-record agreement of £111 million, and Klopp confirmed the deal publicly. However, despite everything seemingly being in place, Caicedo decided against the move, holding out for Chelsea instead. Just two days later, the Ecuadorian midfielder joined the Blues, leaving Liverpool scrambling for alternatives in the market. Caicedo’s sudden change of heart was a major blow to Liverpool’s transfer plans that summer.
3. Alexis Sánchez: The Wenger Effect
When Alexis Sánchez was leaving Barcelona in 2014, Liverpool were among the frontrunners to sign him. Having narrowly missed out on the Premier League title, the Reds believed they had the edge over Arsenal, who had just scraped into the top four. Steven Gerrard even texted Sánchez, trying to convince him to join Liverpool. But Arsene Wenger took a more personal approach, traveling to Brazil during the World Cup to meet Sánchez face-to-face. The extra effort, combined with Sánchez’s preference for living in London, led him to choose Arsenal over Liverpool. It was a missed opportunity for Liverpool, who saw a potential game-changer slip through their fingers.
2. Aurélien Tchouaméni: Choosing Real Madrid Over Anfield
In 2022, Liverpool were in hot pursuit of Aurélien Tchouaméni, one of the most promising young midfielders in Europe. Klopp himself was involved in the efforts to bring the Frenchman to Anfield, reportedly speaking with Tchouaméni directly. However, when Real Madrid entered the race, Tchouaméni’s mind was made up. He turned down Liverpool’s advances and opted to join the Spanish giants, citing the allure of playing for Real Madrid as his primary reason. This rejection was particularly painful, as Liverpool were in dire need of midfield reinforcements at the time.
1. Jude Bellingham: The One That Hurt the Most
The most significant rejection Liverpool has faced in recent years came in 2023, when Jude Bellingham, one of the brightest young talents in world football, turned down a move to Anfield. Liverpool believed they had the upper hand, given Bellingham’s admiration for Steven Gerrard and his close friendship with Trent Alexander-Arnold. However, despite these connections, Bellingham chose to join Real Madrid, where he has since thrived. The loss of Bellingham was a major blow to Liverpool, who had been pinning their hopes on the young Englishman to revitalize their midfield. His decision to join Real Madrid rather than Liverpool has been seen as one of the most significant transfer snubs in recent memory.
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