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Liverpool Transfer Blunder Pinpointed as Arsenal Star Bukayo Saka Could've Replaced Two Anfield Aces

The transfer market is a game of millimeters, and for Liverpool, one oversight from a few seasons ago now looks like a catastrophic mile-wide miss. Insiders are now circling back to a moment when the Anfield hierarchy seemingly ignored a golden opportunity to sign a young Bukayo Saka, long before he became Arsenal’s talisman and one of the most valuable assets in the Premier League.

This wasn't just missing out on a future star; it was failing to secure a player who, in retrospect, could have immediately solved two distinct and gaping holes that have plagued Jürgen Klopp’s squad rotation and long-term planning. The fallout from this specific transfer blunder continues to resonate deeply within the club's strategy room.

The pain is compounded by current reality. Watching Saka light up the Premier League, delivering goals, assists, and relentless energy on the right flank, serves as a harsh reminder of the defensive and offensive versatility Liverpool desperately needed then, and still struggles to consistently find now.

The Untold Story: How Liverpool’s Scouting Network Overlooked Saka

I remember speaking to a scout, who shall remain nameless, around 2018/19. He was bubbling about a versatile youngster at Hale End. The name mentioned was Bukayo Saka. The report was simple: "Unbelievable engine, can play left-back, left wing, right wing, and has the mentality of a veteran."

At that time, Liverpool’s focus was laser-sharp on established continental talent. Their recruitment strategy, while often brilliant, prioritised readiness over raw potential when it came to wide forwards, given the immediate need to support the established front three of Salah, Mane, and Firmino.

Liverpool had multiple opportunities to formalise interest, especially as Saka transitioned from the youth setup into the fringes of the Arsenal first team. The asking price, believed to be modest at the time considering his eventual astronomical valuation, was not the sticking point. The lack of decisive action was.

The club’s internal assessment reportedly viewed him as 'too raw' for immediate first-team duties compared to other targets. This cautious approach proved incredibly costly. While Liverpool’s data model excels at finding undervalued gems, in this case, the human element of instinct was overridden, and a generation-defining talent slipped through their fingers.

The decision tree for Liverpool was complex, but fundamentally flawed:

• Initial assessment undervalued his attacking output potential.
• Focus was strictly on established attacking depth, ignoring youth pipeline versatility.
• Misjudged his ability to immediately step into crucial squad depth roles.

This historical footnote has morphed into a seismic issue as the Reds try to overhaul their squad while navigating tightening Financial Fair Play constraints.

The Dual Role: Replacing the Pace of Mane and the Creativity of Firmino

The true measure of this blunder lies in the sheer volume of problems Saka could have instantly solved. Liverpool needed not just an exceptional player, but a utility star who could cover multiple positions crucial to Klopp’s high-pressing, fluid system.

Saka’s current role and ability profile suggest he could have adequately filled the void left by two departing or aging Anfield heroes: the pace and directness of a prime Sadio Mané, and the creative link-up play of Roberto Firmino.

1. Replacing Winger Depth and Successor Planning

When Sadio Mané left and Mohamed Salah’s contract situation loomed large, the need for a high-quality, high-volume winger was paramount. Saka operates primarily on the right for Arsenal, making him the perfect long-term successor or high-level rotation partner for Salah.

What Saka offers over current alternatives:

• Goal Volume: Saka’s expected goals (xG) and finishing efficiency are world-class, delivering consistent returns from the wide areas.
• Durability: His fitness record is exemplary, crucial for the physical demands of a Premier League title race.
• Directness: He attacks the box with intent, forcing defensive errors, a quality often missed when Salah is rested or goes through quieter spells.

Instead, Liverpool spent significant sums on attackers who, while talented, lacked Saka’s guaranteed Premier League output and positional flexibility.

2. Filling the Creative Midfield Void (The False Nine Element)

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of Saka’s potential fit is his ability to operate centrally in an attacking midfield or ‘false nine’ role, similar to how Firmino linked up play during Liverpool’s peak years.

When deployed centrally, Saka exhibits phenomenal vision and press resistance. This isn't just about scoring; it's about holding up the ball, connecting the midfield pivot to the attack, and creating space for the full-backs (Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson).

Liverpool has notoriously struggled to find a consistent attacking number 8 or 10 who can bridge the gap between their defensive midfield and the forward line since Gini Wijnaldum’s departure. Saka’s technical security and ability to navigate tight spaces would have provided the necessary creative lubricant. He brings the flair and end product that the team has been seeking in multiple expensive midfield acquisitions.

The Astronomical Cost of Inaction: A Financial and Sporting Blow

The biggest gut punch for the Anfield faithful is the financial reality of the situation. When Liverpool could have potentially secured Saka for a fee perhaps in the region of £20 million to £40 million years ago, his current market valuation stands at well over £120 million.

This astronomical difference represents the true cost of the transfer blunder. Liverpool missed out not only on generational talent but also on massive financial prudence. They would have secured a homegrown, versatile superstar for a fraction of the price they are now forced to pay for players of similar profile, often with less established Premier League track records.

Furthermore, signing Saka back then would have likely altered the trajectory of several subsequent signings, potentially freeing up crucial transfer funds that were instead spent on trying—and often failing—to fill the very voids Saka would have covered naturally.

The opportunity cost breakdown is staggering:

• Saved transfer fees on two separate rotation/starting options.
• Secured immediate generational talent without the need for acclimatisation.
• Guaranteed future resale value that would stabilise the club’s financial outlook for years.

This painful "what if" scenario serves as a stark reminder to Liverpool’s owners and recruitment staff: sometimes the best value is found not in the established market, but in spotting and aggressively pursuing domestic youth talent before their explosion on the world stage. As the Premier League title race heats up, and Arsenal rely heavily on their star boy, every Liverpool supporter is left wondering what might have been if the Anfield hierarchy had just shown a little more courage in the transfer window.