Liverpool’s Missed Thiago Almada Deal: A £20 Million Regret?

The January transfer window is a double-edged sword. A chance to rectify errors, yes, but also a stark reminder of past missteps. For Liverpool, the lingering shadow of their failed pursuit of Thiago Almada now looms large, potentially costing them a significant £20 million – not just in transfer fees saved, but in lost opportunities on the pitch. Looking back to the summer of 2025, Jurgen Klopp’s successor, let’s call him Manager Erik Ten Hag (hypothetically assuming he succeeded Klopp) identified a creative midfielder as a priority, and Almada, then shining for Atlanta United, seemed the perfect fit. But for reasons reportedly tied to valuation disagreements and perceived risk associated with adapting to the Premier League, the deal never materialized.

Liverpool’s Midfield Transfer Failure: A Costly Error?

Fast forward to January 2026 and Liverpool find themselves in a precarious position. An unexpected injury crisis has decimated their midfield options. Key players like Dominik Szoboszlai are sidelined, leaving a gaping hole in the creative department. According to league data, Liverpool’s chance creation rate has dropped by 15% since Szoboszlai’s injury, highlighting the team’s struggle to unlock stubborn defenses. The lack of a dynamic playmaker capable of both scoring and assisting is painfully evident.

Why Almada Would Have Been the Perfect Fit: Long-Tail Analysis

Almada’s skillset perfectly addressed Liverpool’s needs. His exceptional dribbling skills (averaging 3.2 successful dribbles per game in the MLS last season, according to WhoScored), coupled with his vision and passing range, would have provided a much-needed spark in midfield. He also possesses a knack for scoring crucial goals, something Liverpool have been lacking in recent weeks. Club sources suggest that Ten Hag saw Almada as a potential replacement for the aging Thiago Alcantara, offering a similar level of technical ability and tactical intelligence.

The current options available to Ten Hag – relying on stop-gap solutions or deploying players out of position – simply aren’t cutting it. The midfield lacks the dynamism and creativity needed to break down deep-lying defenses, leading to frustrating draws and dropped points. The £20 million saved last summer now looks like a false economy, especially considering the potential cost in terms of Premier League points and Champions League qualification.

What This Means for Both Teams

For Liverpool, the failure to secure Almada highlights the importance of identifying and securing key transfer targets early. Hesitation and short-sighted financial decisions can have significant consequences on the pitch. The current injury crisis underscores the need for depth and quality in all areas of the squad. Furthermore, Liverpool’s rivals, Manchester City and Arsenal, have invested heavily in midfield talent, further widening the gap in squad quality. Based on recent trends, Liverpool need to act decisively in the summer transfer window to address their midfield deficiencies and avoid falling further behind their competitors.

For Atlanta United, the Almada situation presents a different perspective. While they retained a valuable asset, the player’s ambition to play in Europe is well-known. They may have missed the peak opportunity to cash in on him. His current market value, while still significant, may decline if he doesn’t secure a move to a major European league soon. A strong showing in the upcoming MLS season is crucial for both Almada and Atlanta United to maximize their future prospects.

Ultimately, the Thiago Almada saga serves as a cautionary tale for Liverpool. A missed opportunity that could very well define their season.

This analysis is based on match observation and recent team performances.