Liverpool are determined to avoid a repeat of their past transfer battle with Manchester United as the summer window opens. Both Premier League clubs are seeking forwards, recalling United's victory in the pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo in 2003.
The 41-year-old, now representing Portugal at his sixth World Cup, came close to joining Liverpool for just £4 million. Then-manager Gerard Houllier and assistant Phil Thompson believed they had secured the teenager from Sporting CP.
Dinner in Lisbon Sealed the Deal on Paper
Thompson recounted a meeting with agent Tony Henry in Lisbon, where terms were agreed. He told The Athletic: 'I can still remember Tony's exact words. It was all very nice and relaxed. It's £4million and it can be paid over the four years of his contract, so £1million a year. That seemed very reasonable. Then I asked about the salary and Tony told me it was £1million a year, net.'
Liverpool were unaware of Sir Alex Ferguson's interest in Ronaldo, who had impressed United in a pre-season friendly.
Ferguson's Intervention Left Liverpool Stunned
Ferguson's influence proved decisive as Ronaldo snubbed Liverpool for United. Thompson recalled: 'On the Tuesday morning, we were having lunch at the training ground and it came up on the yellow strap on Sky Sports, "Manchester United have signed Cristiano Ronaldo for £12.2million." Gerard and myself almost choked on our food. I can remember Gerard jumping up and saying, "What the hell has gone on there?"'
Ronaldo's arrival helped United reclaim dominance, winning the Champions League in 2008 and three consecutive Premier League titles during his six-year spell.
Ronaldo's Legacy and Current Transfer Interest
Ronaldo left for Real Madrid in 2009 for a then-world record £80m. After becoming Real's all-time top scorer, he moved to Juventus in 2018, returned to United in 2021, and left after a fallout with Erik ten Hag to join Saudi club Al-Nassr. The 2026 World Cup is expected to be his last.
Now, Liverpool and United both target RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, with Liverpool leading the race. However, the Bundesliga club demand £87m for the 19-year-old Ivorian.
