“Salah among the best backup transfer plans that actually worked.”

Mo Salah, one of the brightest stars in modern football, was, interestingly, a second choice for Liverpool. That’s right! In the world of transfers, being the number two pick can sometimes turn out to be a blessing in disguise. The frustration of missing out on a primary target can be mitigated when an alternative turns into a true phenomenon. Liverpool, under the management of Jurgen Klopp, is a remarkable example of how Plan Bs can lead to resounding success.

“There was an internal battle between Salah and Julian Brandt. Klopp had a clear preference for the latter, while the club’s data analysts saw Salah as a much better cost-effective option, with far greater potential,” said a source close to the club. Salah, who joined Liverpool in 2017, quickly became one of the club’s top scorers in history. This season, he has faced challenges, but his statistics are undeniable. With 10 goals in 34 matches, he remains a central figure in the team, while Brandt, who stayed at Leverkusen, has not managed to surpass this mark in his best seasons.

What makes Salah’s story even more intriguing is the comparison with other great football icons who were also second-tier signings that became true titans. For example, goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, who was an emergency solution for Arsenal, proved to be a cornerstone of the defense, helping the club secure the “Invincibles” title in the 2003-2004 season. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur found itself in a similar situation when Heung-min Son was signed as an alternative to Saido Berahino, who was unsuccessful, while Son became one of the most respected players in the Premier League.

The saga of Alan Shearer, who ended up at Newcastle instead of Roberto Baggio, is another narrative that illustrates how decisions in the transfer market can shape the history of a club. Landing Shearer was a bold move that proved fruitful, turning him into one of the greatest strikers in the history of English football.

Even more impressive is the story of Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Manchester United as an alternative to Ronaldinho. Sir Alex Ferguson may have been disappointed to miss out on signing the Brazilian, but Ronaldo’s arrival resulted in an era of glory for the club. Ronaldo not only became the best player in the world but also a living legend of football.

This trend extends to other notable signings, such as Eric Cantona, who arrived at United at a time of need and became an icon, and Alisson, who became the best goalkeeper in the Premier League after being the secondary choice instead of Jan Oblak. Each of these players had a lasting impact, proving that being a “Plan B” can, in fact, lead to resounding success.

In summary, the story of Mo Salah and other great players who were second-choice signings perfectly illustrates how unpredictable the world of football is. What may seem like a disappointment at the moment can actually be the first step towards a lasting legacy. Football is full of surprises, and what matters is what each player does with the opportunity they are given.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.