As the Merseyside Derby takes place this Saturday, three current Liverpool stars could have been on Everton’s side.
With Everton and Liverpool both off to strong starts this season, the Derby should be an exciting one at Anfield.
David Moyes is hunting down Liverpool as he looks to close the gap between the two Merseyside outfits.
It’s still a big task ahead, but if the Toffees can continue the way they have been, they’ve got a chance against Arne Slot’s side.
Both clubs seem to have an eye for the same talent, as there are currently three players in Liverpool’s squad who could have been on the Blue side.
Alexander Isak in Liverpool Training Session.
Photo by Nikki Dyer – LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Three Liverpool players who almost joined Everton ahead of Merseyside Derby
Alexander Isak
A new boy on the red side, and one who came with a £125 million fee, is Alexander Isak.
The Swede, who completed his move on deadline day from Newcastle United, was the main talking point of the summer transfer window, but it could have been so much different.
Everton tried to sign Isak for £14 million, whilst in his early days at AIK Stockholm, as Dortmund obviously won the race, but the 25-year-old could well have been a Toffee.
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It’s unclear whether the forward will feature on Saturday, but Arne Slot hinted that Isak won’t start, and his absence against Burnley made that seem likely.
Virgil van Dijk
Next up and probably the biggest shock on the list is the Reds’ captain, Virgil van Dijk.
The Dutchman isn’t the most liked figure by Evertonians, and when van Dijk said Liverpool was Everton’s ‘cup final’, this didn’t exactly help the rivalry, following a fiery end to Goodison Park’s last derby.
"It was a very big provocation from one certain player" 😳
Virgil van Dijk has had his say on the unsavoury scenes at full-time between Liverpool and Everton players 😬 pic.twitter.com/Os9HXLmKjq
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) February 12, 2025
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But the centre-back could have instead found his success at the Blues, as Everton turned down van Dijk’s £10 million arrival, which would have been an absolute bargain.
Whilst he was succeeding at Celtic, it’s clear that this was another of Everton’s past transfer failures, as now the defender is one of the best in the world.
Andy Robertson
Quite a surprising player on this list, but it’s true that Andy Robertson was almost an Everton player.
Speaking to The Athletic, former Everton director of football Steve Walsh spoke on how he had offered the Scot to join the Toffees whilst he was at Hull City.
“While I was at Everton, I offered them Andrew Robertson and Harry Maguire deals, when they were at Hull, and it was worth £20 million for the pair. Everton wouldn’t take them.”
Considering he joined Liverpool for £8 million, it would have been some deal, along with the rest of these near transfers, but now, they’re the ultimate rivals.