Liverpool fans on Twitter have been responding to the latest post from The Athletic’s James Pearce.
This comes after the Liverpool journalist shared a post on his official page that contained an article he had written for The Athletic on Alberto Aquilani’s ill-fated stint at Anfield.
In the article, a member of Liverpool’s recruitment team under former manager Rafael Benitez revealed that Manchester City midfielder David Silva ‘was very much of interest’ following the sale of Xabi Alonso.
They stated: “He would have been perfect but just wasn’t affordable. The price for Aquilani was so low because he was injured, but it had to be done quickly. If he had been fit he would have been too expensive for us.”
This post then gathered a lot of replies from Liverpool fans, who were quick to have their say on this revelation.
Here’s a sample of Liverpool fans responding to the post:
“David Silva was very much of interest. He would have been perfect but just wasn’t affordable. The price for Aquilani was so low because he was injured, but it had to be done quickly. If he had been fit he would have been too expensive for us.” #LFC https://t.co/oFAfx7Fike
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) May 14, 2020
David Silva was sold for 25 million to City. Liverpool bought Aquilani for 20 million. We couldn’t afford 5 million. Liverpool were always to cheap & made poor decisions. Like later signing Downing instead Mata with Mata even being cheaper
— Homes (@LFC_Wahome) May 14, 2020
Probably should of just kept Alonso instead of pushing him out for Gareth Barry and ending up with an Injured Aquillani instead ????. I’m glad them days are behind us now ?
— Ste (@JustRodge) May 14, 2020
This is what I love about FSG and Klopp now, look at the Fekir deal for example. We don’t have to spend silly money on the chance of a player being good after injury.
— Steven Flynn (@nnylFetS) May 14, 2020
Is Aquilani Liverpool's worst signing of the PL era?
Yes
No
Aquilani only made 28 appearances for the Reds during his time at the Merseyside club, whereas Silva has gone on to win a plethora of domestic trophies at City (per Transfermarkt). Now that Pearce has relayed this revelation on his Twitter account, this paved the way for lots of Liverpool fans to share their reactions to the situation.
An absolute waste of money…
— Razza* (@KingKopite) May 14, 2020
Scouting was very poor, signing a player when you know he was injured and doesn’t suit to the PL. Liverpool were a mess during those times.
— Kaushal Agarwal* (@agarwalkaus) May 14, 2020
????
— Gareth Terry (@garethterry) May 14, 2020
What do we think?
Given how little Aquilani contributed to the club during his stint at Anfield in comparison to what Silva has helped City achieve since his arrival in England, it’s safe to say that the Merseyside club made a mistake in signing the Italian instead of splashing out more money on Silva.