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One of the most successful clubs in English football history, Liverpool have always made some interesting moves in the transfer market. It is imperative to be active in the transfer market to secure major trophies and the Reds, especially in the last few years, have made some intelligent moves.
While Liverpool did secure some trophies in the early part of the 21st century, it was only under Jurgen Klopp that they finally managed to end their Premier League trophy drought.
In the 21st century, Liverpool are also the side to have scored some significant wins during the transfer window. They have brought in as well as sold some of the best players in Europe.
On the same note, let us take a look at five of the best sales done by Liverpool.
#5 Xabi Alonso | Liverpool to Real Madrid (€34.50m) | 2009
Xabi Alonso, one of the best midfielders in the modern era, holds the fifth spot in our list. The Spaniard re-invented the 'holding midfield' playing position and was an integral part of the dominant Spain side.
When a player is pursued by many clubs, we know where he will be headed, don't we? It wasn't much of a surprise when Xabi Alonso was signed by Real Madrid in 2009, the year when the Spanish giants splashed money to grab every big name that was available.
Though the transfer hurt Liverpool, Xabi went on to gain with his new club. Alonso was used in every game by Pellegrini as the Spanish midfielder helped Real Madrid finish the season with a then record number of points. He has achieved the same feat with both Liverpool and Real Sociedad.
#4 Fernando Torres | Liverpool to Chelsea (€58.5m) | 2011
El Nino, as lovingly dubbed by his fans, is among the best strikers that Liverpool have had in the club's lengthy history.
After wreaking havoc in Spain with Atletico Madrid, Torres arrived in England to take up new challenges. Things started on a highly positive note for the Spaniard as he kept collecting goals for his new club.
The 2010 World Cup champ earned equal appreciation from his teammates and rivals. A constant rise in the career graph earned Fernando Torres a hefty price tag. Chelsea roped in Torres at Stamford Bridge, earning Liverpool a massive €58.5 million.
#3 Raheem Sterling | Liverpool to Manchester City (€63.70m)
The former Liverpool winger was once wanted by every club in Europe. Having proven his worth at a very young age, Sterling was tipped for superstardom.
Displaying his prowess at QPR's youth academy, Sterling was eventually picked by Liverpool. The England international continued to grow and impress within the ranks of Liverpool to finally earn a first-team call-up.
Despite having started well at Liverpool, Sterling's experience was sour while departing Anfield following contract disputes. After an initial rejection of two bids, Manchester City got hold of their man at the third attempt.
The €63.70 million signing meant Sterling was the most expensive English player at the time.
#2 Luis Suárez | Liverpool to Barcelona (€81.72m) | 2014
Suárez's heroics at Barcelona is alien to no one. Such has been the Uruguayan's impact at Camp Nou. Part of the 2015 treble-winning Blaugrana squad, Luis Suárez arrived in La Liga after tormenting defenders in England. It was at his new club that he formed a part of the deadly trio — MSN.
Suárez played four seasons in the Premier League for Liverpool. He improved constantly with the same reflecting on the number of goals scored every season. Suárez bagged 4, 11, 23 and 31 goals in his four Premier League seasons at Liverpool, with the last being his Premier League Golden Boot winning campaign.
Despite being a controversial player, the former Barcelona number 9 earned his club a handsome fee.
#1 Philippe Coutinho | Liverpool to Barcelona (€145m) | 2018
Probably one of Barcelona's biggest transfer failures in recent times, Coutinho's move to the Liga heavyweights hasn't been an easy one.
The humungous price tag (€145m) that makes him one of the most-expensive players of all time, brought with it a lot of pressure.
I only have good things to say about Philippe, but I think he left Liverpool because he wanted to play for one of the two big Spanish clubs. We tried to convince him that we had the club moving in the right direction and that he could experience great nights in the Champions League if he stayed in Liverpool. Coutinho lost a lot of support for the manner in which he forced through a move to Barcelona. - Liverpool chairman Tom Werner (about Coutinho's transfer)
Ironically, Liverpool won the UEFA Champions League the very next season after the Brazilian's departure. Philippe Coutinho, who moved to Barcelona with the hope of conquering the football world has not been at his best ever since.
Also read: Paul Merson's column - Ranking the 5 best managers in the Premier League right now
