Former Liverpool striker Jari Litmanen has revealed that the Reds tried to sign him on two separate occasions before he eventually arrived at Anfield.
The Finnish icon, who lifted the Champions League with Ajax in 1995 under Louis van Gaal, finally joined Liverpool in early 2001. He went on to spend a memorable season and a half on Merseyside under the late Gérard Houllier, playing his part in the club’s famous trophy treble during his debut campaign.
Litmanen scored nine goals in 43 appearances before returning to Ajax in August 2002, but his move to Liverpool could have happened much earlier had circumstances been different.
Speaking to The Athletic, he explained how Roy Evans first tried to bring him to Anfield back in 1997, with another chance arising in 1999 before the deal was eventually completed in 2001.
He said: “Roy Evans visited me in a hotel in Amsterdam in 1997. I seriously considered it, but Ajax had treated me so well that I didn’t want to push for a move. I told Roy that I’d join if they reached an agreement, but I wouldn’t force it. Liverpool made an offer, but Ajax refused to sell.
“In 1999, when I was leaving Ajax, I had three options: Barcelona, Liverpool and Bayern Munich. I chose Barcelona because of the stadium, lifestyle, language, and because Van Gaal and some former teammates were there. But then the president changed, Van Gaal left, and the new coach told me I had no place in the team. After a few months, I knew Liverpool was the right move. Gérard Houllier was enthusiastic, and everything fell into place.”
When Liverpool finally secured his signature in 2001, it felt like a major statement, given his pedigree at both Ajax and Barcelona. It’s tempting to imagine how different things might have been had he joined in the late 1990s, potentially linking up with Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler during their peak years.
Although injuries hampered him and competition for places limited his starts, Litmanen quickly became a fan favourite. Now 55, he has since returned for Legends matches and remains fondly remembered, even if his time at Anfield was shorter than many would have hoped.
It remains one of those “what might have been” stories in Liverpool’s recent history.
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