The Brazilian is set to join Barcelona, which will make him the latest in a long line of top players to have left Anfield during their title drought
Getty Images1STEVE MCMANAMANAs a local lad with silky sills who had come through the youth-team ranks, Steve McMananan was beloved by Liverpool fans but some turned on him after he decided to leave on a free transfer to Real Madrid in 1999. The winger's decision was fully justified, though, with McManaman going to become the most decorated Englishman to have ever played abroad by winning seven trophies during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu, including two Champions Leagues.AdvertisementGetty Images2MICHAEL OWENDespite persistent hamstring problems in the early stage of his Liverpool career, youth academy product and 1998 World Cup sensation Michael Owen looked set to break every possible goalscoring record at Anfield only to join Real Madrid in 2004 for £8m. Much to the satisfaction of heartbroken Reds supporters, the transfer did not work out for the jet-heeled striker, who spent most of his time on the bench during a solitary season at the Santiago Bernabeu that coincided with Liverpool winning the Champions League.Getty Images3XABI ALONSOLiverpool fans were aghast when manager Rafael Benitez tried to replace Xabi Alonso – one of the heroes of the surprise 2005 Champions League triumph – with Gareth Barry in the summer of 2008. As a result, they understood why the still clearly upset Spanish midfielder elected to depart for Real Madrid the following year. It was also the right call from a sporting perspective, as Alonso went on to win a Liga title and the Champions League with los Blancos.Getty Images4JAVIER MASCHERANOJavier Mascherano became a popular figure at Liverpool because of his tenacity and commitment. His relationship with the club soured in the summer of 2010, however, when he demanded a transfer before reportedly refusing to play in a Champions League game at the start of the season in order to push through a move to Barcelona. Mascherano eventually got his wish and although the Argentine later expressed some regret over the manner of his Anfield exit, his decision has been vindicated by a staggering haul of 17 trophies with the Catalan club.