Former Liverpool forward Nicolas Anelka has revealed he was promised a permanent transfer to the Reds from Paris Saint-Germain before then-manager Gerard Houllier changed his mind on sanctioning the move.
Anelka's Loan Spell at Liverpool
The ex-Arsenal forward made an unexpected loan switch from PSG to Anfield in December 2001, scoring five goals in 22 appearances. Despite his performance, Liverpool chose not to make the move permanent the following summer, instead signing El Hadji Diouf after his impressive 2002 World Cup with Senegal.
In hindsight, Liverpool's decision to choose Diouf over Anelka is considered a costly mistake. Diouf managed only six goals in two seasons and was involved in several controversies, while Anelka thrived at Manchester City, netting 45 goals in three seasons.
Anelka's Regret and the Reason Behind the Failed Move
Speaking to the Liverpool ECHO in 2020, Anelka said: "This is my biggest regret as well because I knew it was the perfect match. Everything was perfect! I loved everything about the club." He added, "It's simple: it didn't happen because Gerard Houllier wanted to pay a lower salary."
Anelka explained that PSG shareholder Alain Cayzac told him Houllier had said Liverpool would sign him, and Houllier later confirmed this face-to-face. However, after reaching a salary agreement in mid-April, no news came from either club, and Anelka learned via the media that Houllier was pursuing another player.
Phil Thompson's Role
Former Liverpool assistant manager Phil Thompson, who served as interim manager during Anelka's loan while Houllier recovered from heart surgery, claimed the club opted against signing Anelka after his representatives allegedly tried to engineer a return to Arsenal. Anelka dismissed this, saying, "If it was true, why didn't I sign for Arsenal when Liverpool announced in the press they weren't going to sign me?"
Anelka added: "I loved my time with Phil Thompson, more so than Gerard Houllier. Phil Thompson was a typical Scouser. Direct and straight." He concluded, "I know if Phil was the manager I would have signed and stayed many years but fate chose otherwise."
