Manchester City's Near Misses: Players Liverpool Could Have Signed
The Premier League club's financial rule breach charges cast a shadow over a period of significant transfer activity, including several key signings that could have altered the landscape for Liverpool.
Manchester City's upcoming match at Anfield marks their first since the club was found guilty of 114 of 115 financial rule breach charges by the Premier League. The club denies the charges and is appealing the verdict.
During the period under scrutiny, from 2009 to 2018, Manchester City secured eight trophies, including several Premier League titles that were narrowly won over Liverpool. Beyond on-pitch rivalries, this era also saw City sign players who had been targets for Liverpool. The club's financial power, fueled by Abu Dhabi's ownership, enabled them to outmaneuver rivals for key talents.
Gareth Barry
In the summer of 2008, Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez sought to replace Xabi Alonso and reportedly made several bids for Gareth Barry, up to £15 million. Aston Villa, Barry's club at the time, rejected the offers. Following a dispute with his manager, Barry remained at Villa for another year before joining Manchester City for £12 million in the summer of 2009, the same window Alonso departed for Real Madrid. Barry went on to help City win their first Premier League title in 2011-12. City reportedly offered him wages of £100,000 per week, contributing to his decision to move to the Etihad.
David Silva
David Silva was a significant signing for Manchester City in 2010. Benitez, who previously managed Valencia, had identified Silva as a top target. Ongoing discussions between Silva's agency and Liverpool were reportedly in place since 2009. However, Manchester City intervened in 2010, agreeing to a £24 million fee with substantial bonuses. Despite not being in the Champions League at the time, City's financial ambition and the instability at Liverpool under the ownership of Tom Hicks and George Gillett proved decisive. Silva became a cornerstone of City's success, winning 13 trophies and earning a statue at the club in August 2021.
James Milner
In the summer of 2010, Manchester City also signed James Milner from Aston Villa for £26 million. Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea were also reportedly interested. The transfer was facilitated by a significant fee, the inclusion of Stephen Ireland in a deal moving to Villa, and City's ability to double Milner's wages. Milner was also attracted by the prospect of contributing to an era of success at City. He went on to win two Premier League titles with the club before joining Liverpool in 2015 on a free transfer, where he became a key player under Jurgen Klopp.
Raheem Sterling
While not a case of Liverpool missing out on a signing, Raheem Sterling's £49 million transfer from Liverpool to Manchester City in 2015 exemplified City's financial influence. Sterling had emerged as a key player for Liverpool, particularly in the 2013-14 season. A contract dispute with Liverpool, fueled by his agent's public comments, preceded the transfer. Sterling eventually moved to City, where he played a crucial role in their subsequent successes, winning 11 trophies before his departure for Chelsea in 2022.
