Reina’s Near Arsenal Move: The Transfer That Almost Happened
Pepe Reina is remembered as one of Liverpool’s most iconic goalkeepers, yet his Anfield journey could have taken a different turn. The Spanish shot-stopper nearly joined Arsenal during his time at Liverpool, a move that was ultimately blocked by the club’s hierarchy, leaving Reina feeling disillusioned.
Tough Times at Anfield
Reina’s time at Liverpool, from 2005 to 2014, saw him rack up 177 clean sheets across 394 matches. Despite his on-field success, his stint was not without its challenges. The period under American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett was marked by internal strife and financial instability, causing Liverpool to struggle both on and off the pitch. This turbulent phase, widely regarded as one of the most controversial in the club’s history, left Reina seeking a way out.
In his 2011 autobiography, Reina shared that he was close to leaving the club on three different occasions, particularly during the ownership tenure of Hicks and Gillett. The duo’s disagreements, coupled with mounting debts, left Liverpool on the brink of financial collapse. During this time, Reina was keen on moving to a more stable environment and saw Arsenal as a promising destination.
Arsenal’s £20 Million Interest
Arsène Wenger’s Arsenal was eager to secure Reina’s services, reportedly offering £20 million for the Spaniard. This bid was substantial, especially for a goalkeeper at the time. However, Liverpool turned down the offer, not because of Reina’s importance on the field, but due to the club’s uncertain ownership situation. Reina explained, “I was told that my continued presence was crucial to the sale of the club. I was simply a bargaining chip in the sales process.”
The Spaniard felt betrayed by the decision, revealing that he had been given false assurances about the club’s future. “When I signed my contract in April 2010 I hoped that better times were just around the corner, a feeling that was fuelled by the promises of improvement from people at the club. It didn’t take me long to feel that their promises were hollow. I felt betrayed,” he said.
Benitez’s Influence and Hicks’ Regrets
Rafa Benitez, Liverpool’s manager at the time, played a key role in keeping Reina at Anfield. There were occasions when the goalkeeper had opportunities to leave, including an earlier chance to join Valencia, but Benitez persuaded him to stay. Even Reina’s wife encouraged him to avoid making rash decisions during the transfer windows.
Despite Benitez’s efforts, the situation remained challenging. Hicks and Gillett’s ownership struggles were well-documented, with both partners attempting to outmanoeuvre each other. In a 2019 interview, Hicks expressed regret over his partnership with Gillett, admitting, “I picked the wrong partner… I tried to oust him from the club after just six months.”
A Career Beyond Liverpool
Reina eventually left Liverpool, but not until 2014, after enduring a difficult period at the club. He moved to Bayern Munich, then Napoli, and had spells at AC Milan and Lazio. By 2024, Reina had played for Villarreal and is currently with Como, serving as a backup to Emil Audero.
Despite his Anfield struggles, Reina’s legacy as a Liverpool legend remains intact. However, his near-move to Arsenal will always be a reminder of how close he was to donning the colours of a Premier League rival.
