Dani Alves was close to joining Liverpool in 2006
Dani Alves to Liverpool in 2006 failed due to budget issues
Back in 2006, Liverpool was struggling financially, which forced them into budget restrictions. Rafa Benitez, who was the manager at the time, was given £10 million to bring in a right-midfielder. The Spanish manager was given the option of buying either Sevilla’s Dani Alves or Dutch winger Dirk Kuyt. Benitez went in for the Dutchman as he recalled the incident on, We Are Liverpool Podcast.
WHAT THEY SAID:
Benitez explained his choice: “We looked at Dani Alves, but he was a right full-back. So, you have to make a decision, whether to sign a player who can player striker, second striker and right winger, or you can go for a full-back, Brazilian, playing in Spain to play as your right winger. It’s a big risk.”
“It was a really difficult time, but I was really pleased,” the former Liverpool boss added.
THE BIGGER PICTURE:
The Merseyside club eventually bought Kuyt who hit the ground running and went on to become a club hero. The Dutch forwards was praised for his work rate and versatility. He scored 51 goals for Liverpool and didn’t mind playing out of position to give freedom to players like Luis Suarez and Fernando Torres.
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