Speaking on the Official Liverpool FC Podcast, Rafa Benitez has been discussing his time at Liverpool and some signings that he nearly made for the Reds during his time in charge as manager.
Every manager has the story of the one that got away, and sadly, for Benitez, he missed out on one of the best players in football history during his time at Anfield.
Indeed, Benitez says that he had a deal for Dani Alves lined up for £10m, but due to financial restrictions he had to decide between signing Alves and Dirk Kuyt at the time.
In the end, Benitez settled on Kuyt due to his versatility, and, as we all know, Alves went on to become one of the most successful players of all-time after this failed move to Anfield.
Almost signed Alves
Benitez spoke about almost bringing Alves to Anfield.
“I was looking for a right-winger. We didn’t have the money. We had Dani Alves there, he was around £10m and he was a right full-back, you have to make a decision to go for a player who can play as a striker, a second striker and a winger, or you have to go for a full-back, a Brazilian and play him as a winger. It’s a big risk and you have to make a decision depending on the context,” Benitez said.
Shame
It’s a shame that Benitez never actually managed to get this deal done as it would have been brilliant to see a prime Alves playing in the Premier League.
As one of the best right-backs of all-time, Alves would have been a joy to watch in England, and he perhaps would have re-invented the role of right-back in this country long before the emergence of the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
We have a sneaking feeling that Alves doesn’t regret this failed move. After all, he won countless trophies at Barcelona.
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