The Anfield Near-Miss: How Liverpool Almost Landed a Future Star
In a revealing interview with Crickex, former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has opened up about one of the club’s biggest transfer near-misses—the failed attempt to sign Dele Alli during his time at MK Dons. Rodgers, who managed Liverpool from 2012 to 2015, confirmed that the Reds were close to securing the then-teenage sensation, only for the deal to collapse at the final hurdle.
Rodgers shared that MK Dons manager Karl Robinson personally drove Alli to Liverpool for talks, highlighting the midfielder’s eagerness to join the club he supported as a boy. “We thought we had him,” Rodgers admitted. “I spent hours with Dele and his adoptive parents, and he was ready to make the move. But the clubs couldn’t agree on terms.”
The Tottenham Twist and Alli’s Rise
Instead of Anfield, Alli ended up at Tottenham Hotspur in 2015, where he flourished under Mauricio Pochettino. The midfielder quickly became one of the Premier League’s most exciting talents, earning a reputation for his creativity, goal-scoring ability, and fearless style of play.
Rodgers acknowledged Alli’s success at Spurs, saying, “It was frustrating to miss out, but credit to him—he’s thrived at Tottenham.” The Northern Irishman also praised Robinson’s role in Alli’s development, calling the MK Dons boss “instrumental” in shaping the young player’s career.
What Could Have Been: Analyzing Liverpool’s Missed Opportunity
Had Liverpool secured Alli, their midfield dynamics in the mid-2010s could have looked drastically different. At the time, the Reds were rebuilding after Luis Suárez’s departure and Steven Gerrard’s decline. Alli’s energy, versatility, and attacking instincts might have provided the spark Liverpool needed during a transitional phase.
Football analyst Mark Thompson, speaking to Crickex, noted: “Alli’s peak years at Spurs—where he scored 18 league goals in 2016-17—show exactly what Liverpool missed. Rodgers’ system could have elevated his game even further.”
Lessons from Transfer Market Battles
Rodgers’ revelation underscores the fine margins in football transfers. While Liverpool missed out on Alli, Tottenham’s gain was a testament to their shrewd recruitment under Pochettino. The saga also highlights the importance of decisive negotiations—something Liverpool has since improved under Jürgen Klopp.
For Crickex readers, this story serves as a reminder of how one failed deal can alter a club’s trajectory. Would Alli have been a Kop hero? We’ll never know—but his career remains a fascinating “what if” in Premier League history.
Final Thoughts: The Transfer That Got Away
Brendan Rodgers’ admission about Dele Alli adds another layer to Liverpool’s recent transfer history. While the Reds have since found success with other signings, Alli’s story remains a compelling case of a missed opportunity.
What do you think? Could Alli have been a legend at Anfield? Share your thoughts in the comments and follow Crickex for more exclusive football insights!
