Liverpool's eight craziest transfer fails and why they never happened

Liverpool have become renowned for their highly effective navigation of the transfer market in recent seasons.

We’ve seen the Reds pick up Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson for a steal.

Joel Matip for free.

And when they have splashed the cash on the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker, significantly, they’ve got it right.

But it wasn’t always that way. Prior to the appointment of sporting director Michael Edwards in 2011 and the ensuing Jurgen Klopp era from 2015, Liverpool’s transfer history was more miss than hit.

To make matters worse they missed out on a wide range of world class players over the years for several reasons, although most of which can be assigned under the umbrella of lacklustre negotiating skills.

So, who are these elite stars that Liverpool watched pass by and into the hands of some of their nearest rivals?

Well, trust us when we say that the board would have been kicking themselves given what they went on to achieve.

Liverpool were seriously interested in the prospect of signing Ronaldo in the summer of 2003, shortly before his switch to Manchester United.

The assistant manager at the time, Phil Thompson, flew out to Lisbon to watch him in action and report back to Gerard Houllier.

The two pondered over a decision, but couldn’t come to a conclusion on whether to approach despite Ronaldo reportedly saying at the time, per the Liverpool Echo:

“Liverpool are one of the best clubs in England and it would be a dream for any player to represent a club of such traditions.

“I will have to hope they make an offer that is good for both Sporting and myself.”

What could have been, ey?

“10 days later I was sitting in a lounge at Anfield having some lunch and looking at the big TV screen,”