Liverpool are considering a surprise Jarell Quansah return as they assess their defensive needs.
If the move goes through, it would be the first time since 2011 that the Reds re-sign a former player.
That was Craig Bellamy, who left Liverpool after one season in 2007, and rejoined the side in 2011 at the behest of Kenny Dalglish.
Liverpool scouts have been watching Quansah closely, and have been hugely impressed with the Englishman’s performances for Bayer Leverkusen.
With a return to Anfield on the cards, let’s look back at the players Liverpool have given another chance to after selling them off.
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Liverpool’s history of re-signing players
Craig Bellamy
Liverpool's Craig Bellamy celebrates aft
Photo credit should read PAUL BARKER/AFP via Getty Images
Starting with the most recent example, Bellamy was brought back to the club in 2011 for one season, and an impressive season it was.
Just like in 2006/07, the Welshman bagged nine goals for the Reds and was part of the side that won the League Cup during his second stint. He would move to Cardiff a year later, citing personal reasons.
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Ian Rush
IAN RUSH OF LIVERPOOL CELEBRATES HIS GOAL, SECOND FOR LIVERPOOL WIMBLEDON V LIVERPOOL. IN THE FA CUP FIFTH ROUND REPLAY AT SELHURST PARK
Photo by Allsport UK/ALLSPORT via Getty Images
Perhaps the most famous “homecoming” in the club’s history, Ian Rush was brought back from Juventus in 1988 after just one season in Italy. While his time abroad was famously quiet, his second stint at Anfield was anything but.
He immediately picked up where he left off, scoring a brace in the 1989 FA Cup Final against Everton. He spent another eight seasons at the club, eventually overtaking Roger Hunt to become Liverpool’s all-time record goalscorer.
Robbie Fowler
In January 2006, the man the Kop nicknamed “God” made an emotional return that few saw coming. After being sold to Leeds United five years earlier following a fallout with the coaching staff, Robbie Fowler was re-signed by Rafa Benítez on a free transfer from Manchester City.
Liverpool Press Conference with Robbie Fowler
Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
Though he was no longer the lightning-fast poacher of the mid-90s, his predatory instincts remained sharp. He provided crucial veteran leadership and scored some important goals. Fowler stayed for 18 months, getting the proper goodbye he missed out on during his first departure.
Steve Staunton
Steve Staunton returned to Anfield in 1998 on a free transfer, seven years after he was sold to Aston Villa due to UEFA’s old “three-foreigner” rule. The Irishman was brought back by the joint-management team of Roy Evans and Gérard Houllier to provide veteran cover across the backline.
Despite being in the twilight of his career, he remained a reliable figure, making 44 appearances during his two-season second stint before eventually heading back to Villa Park in 2000.
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