With Sebastian Coates leaving Liverpool for Sunderland, it signaled the end of another once highly-rated centre-back’s time at Liverpool. Over the years, the Reds have signed defenders with potential that only a mere few went on to fulfil. So I decided to take a look back at some central defenders that failed to make the grade at Anfield.
Carl Medjani 2003-2006
Medjani was signed by Gerard Houllier when he was just 18-years-old. It was thought of as a huge coup for Liverpool as they beat competition from Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Manchester United.
Sir Alex Ferguson even invited him to visit their training facilities but it was Liverpool he chose.
However, he failed to impress and was sent out on loan to French clubs Lorient and Metz before moving permanently to Lorient. He now plays in the Turkish league for Trabzonspor.
Jack Hobbs 2005-2009
Hobbs moved to Liverpool from Lincoln City after impressing on trial and was tipped to replace Jamie Carragher. This never happened as he only managed a handful of appearances.
He was part of the team that won the FA Youth Cup in 2006 but he could not make the breakthrough at Liverpool so he was moved on to Leicester City. He now plays for Nottingham Forest.
Gabriel Paletta 2006-2007
Paletta was another Rafa Benitez signing, this time from Argentinean side Banfield. He was used sporadically by the Spaniard but failed to keep his place in the team.
Rafa initially wanted to loan him out to Spanish side Levante in order for Paletta to gain more first-team experience, but a loan deal could not be agreed so he moved permanently to Boca Juniors.
He then moved to Italy and played for Parma for five years where he qualified for Italian citizenship.
Paletta was part of the Italian 2014 World Cup squad and featured in the 2-1 win against England. He now plays for AC Milan.
Danny Wilson 2010-2013
The Scot joined the Reds after an impressive debut season with Rangers. He started out playing for the reserves and made his debut for the senior team in the league cup defeat to Northampton Town.
His playing time was limited with Daniel Agger and Jamie Carragher being first choice centre-backs.
Wilson was sent out on loan to Blackpool, Bristol City and Hearts before joining Hearts permanently. He has now returned to Rangers.
