Pep Guardiola blocked a swap deal featuring Manchester City and Liverpool stars last summer, it has been reported.
The transfer window of 2025 was one that will go down in history, with the likes of Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko moving for big money in a summer that saw a huge influx of arrivals into the Premier League.
And, while 2024 saw a more low-key window, there were still some big deals that went through, including Kylian Mbapp's move to Real Madrid, Victor Osimhen joining Galatasaray and Julian Alvarez swapping Manchester City for Atletico Madrid.
It now, however, has emerged that Alvarez reportedly nearly stayed in England in a deal that would have seen him join one of City's biggest rivals in Liverpool.
Reports regularly did the rounds in 2024 that Alvarez was of interest to Liverpool when the Reds were looking to strengthen their front line after Arne Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp as manager.
And, according to The Telegraph, it was a move that nearly happened, with Luis Diaz going in the opposite direction - until Guardiola stopped it from happening.
In was a summer in which both Alvarez and Diaz had uncertain futures, with the former eventually leaving for Madrid in a deal that would cost Diego Simeone's side £81million.
Diaz, meanwhile, stayed at Liverpool for another year before departing for Bayern Munich for £65.5m.
He said goodbye to his team-mates three and a half years after he made the move to the Premier League from Porto. Diaz made 148 appearances during his time at Anfield, scoring 41 goals.
He is thought to have first told Liverpool bosses of his desire to leave last summer, but the club held firm.
They later made two separate attempts to agree a contract extension with the left winger, but failed to convince Diaz due to a gap between offers and demands.
Bayern initially advanced with an offer worth around £58.5m which was rebuffed, before Liverpool accepted the German champions' second offer of £65.5m including add-ons.
Alvarez, meanwhile, was Atletico's top scorer in his first year in Spain, netting 29 times in all competitions.
zuhdemor
2
Compare the ones who went to arsenal with Alvarez... Alvarez will surely do more harm to them
What about Palmer isn't he causing problems
vatikloryz
0
this stupid auttyy never move on. now it almost 2026 yet he tell story from 2024. this show hw stupid he is as a journalist.
Modys
3
Actually, Man City, in general, is doing well with their deals, but they need more players this season. They have some problems in certain positions, like right back, and also in the quality of their substitutions.
vuaabdipu
1
Best decision ever made Cause Man City then earned €90m out of selling him
Tomckmtyz
2
They don't want to sell to direct rival Liverpool, but they don't mind selling to Arsenal.... don't they see arsenal as direct rival ?
Compare the ones who went to arsenal with Alvarez... Alvarez will surely do more harm to them
nuscdmopuy
4
Pep has run out of ideas. Let him pay for his "pride".
Redfan
4
They don't want to sell to direct rival Liverpool, but they don't mind selling to Arsenal.... don't they see arsenal as direct rival ?
Takadmotyz
2
Julian he must come back haland is nothing Julian it's the best strikers in the world
youngfarmer_10
0
Haaland's threat can be explained by his sheer dominance in the physical aspects of the game. He is faster, stronger and more aggressive than most. In your face football. It overwhelms defences at its very best.🩵🩵🩵
Chal_Mhe_Lhast_Bhorn
2
Oops 😬
Tuucdilnoz
2
what did liver pool be itmancity