Liverpool FC has rediscovered its magic in recent years, establishing itself as one of Europe’s elite clubs. However, the road to glory was paved with struggles, including poor performances, constant managerial changes, and a series of disastrous signings.
Here, we’ve ranked the 11 worst Liverpool transfers since the turn of the century.
Robbie Keane
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Fee: £19 million (2008) Signed as a proven goalscorer, Keane struggled to fit into Rafael Benítez’s system. Despite scoring 7 goals in 28 games, his time at Anfield lasted only six months before he was sold back to Tottenham.
Fee: £32.5 million (2015) A prolific striker at Aston Villa, Benteke never clicked at Liverpool. His style didn’t suit Jürgen Klopp’s high-intensity system, and he left after one underwhelming season, despite a few standout goals.
Fee: £4.75 million (2016) Karius showed promise but will always be remembered for his disastrous performance in the 2018 Champions League final, where two costly mistakes handed Real Madrid the trophy. His confidence never recovered, and he was eventually replaced.
Alberto Aquilani
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Fee: £17 million (2009) Aquilani was signed to replace Xabi Alonso, but persistent injuries and a lack of adaptation to the Premier League meant he never lived up to expectations. He played just 28 games across two seasons.
Paul Konchesky
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Fee: £3.5 million (2010) Brought in by Roy Hodgson, Konchesky was far below Liverpool’s standards. His performances were mediocre at best, and he quickly became a scapegoat during a difficult period for the club.
Christian Poulsen
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Fee: £4.5 million (2010) Signed as an experienced midfielder, Poulsen was slow, ineffective, and struggled to adapt to the pace of English football. His tenure at Anfield was brief and forgettable.
Fee: £20 million (2014) Seen as a promising young talent, Marković failed to make an impact and was sent on a series of unproductive loan spells. He played just 34 games for Liverpool over four years.
Iago Aspas
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Fee: £7.7 million (2013) Aspas is remembered primarily for a woeful corner kick against Chelsea that became symbolic of Liverpool’s title collapse in 2014. Although he found success elsewhere, his time at Liverpool was a disaster.
Mario Balotelli
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Fee: £16 million (2014) Signed as a gamble to replace Luis Suárez, Balotelli’s unpredictable behavior and lack of effort on the pitch led to a miserable spell, scoring just one league goal in his single season at the club.
Andy Carroll
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Fee: £35 million (2011) Liverpool’s most expensive signing at the time, Carroll struggled with injuries and inconsistency. Bought as a replacement for Fernando Torres, he never justified his price tag and was sold at a significant loss.
Fee: £10 million (2002) Topping the list, Diouf flopped both on and off the pitch. He scored just 6 goals in 79 appearances and became infamous for his poor attitude and controversies, making him one of the club’s most disliked players.
If there’s anyone we missed who deserves a spot on the list, let us know in the comments.
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