Five Players Who Have Represented Both Galatasaray and Liverpool

Galatasaray and Liverpool face off in the Champions League tonight, with both teams aiming for a spot in the last 16.

The atmosphere in Istanbul is expected to be intense, as Galatasaray makes their return to the knockout rounds for the first time in over ten years and has confidence from previously beating Liverpool in the group stage.

In anticipation of this match, here are five notable players who have represented both clubs.

Dean Saunders

Dean Saunders joined Liverpool from Derby County in 1991, partnering with Ian Rush once again. He scored 23 goals in his first season, making him Liverpool’s top scorer, which included hat-tricks in the UEFA Cup. Despite his success, Liverpool finished sixth, and he transferred to Aston Villa after just one season.

After three seasons with Villa, he returned to Turkey to play for Galatasaray, where he scored in both legs of a notable Turkish Cup final against Fenerbahce before heading back to England after one season.

Brad Friedel

Brad Friedel played briefly for both Galatasaray and Liverpool during the start of his career. At Galatasaray in 1995-96, he won the Turkish Cup before returning to the US after one season. He joined Liverpool a year later.

Friedel spent three seasons at Liverpool but found it tough to get game time. He later experienced significant success in the Premier League with Blackburn, Tottenham, and Aston Villa, holding the record for most Premier League appearances by an American with 450 games.

Harry Kewell

Harry Kewell was signed by Liverpool in 2023 from Leeds United due to Leeds’ financial difficulties. Once a standout talent, Kewell’s time at Liverpool was hampered by injuries, but he won the Champions League and FA Cup with the club.

#OnThisDay in 2006, Kewell scored a stunning volley against Spurs ⏪ pic.twitter.com/aMhc0iek08

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 14, 2024

In 2008, he joined Galatasaray as a free agent, where he became popular, scoring 34 goals in 91 appearances. His move to Turkey drew criticism as he was a Leeds player during the tragic events surrounding two fans before a UEFA Cup match in 2000.

Milan Baros

Milan Baros joined Liverpool from Banik Ostrava, initially as back-up to stars like Michael Owen. He went on to become the top scorer at Euro 2004 and netted 27 goals in 108 matches for Liverpool, playing a key role in their 2005 Champions League win.

After moving to Aston Villa, then Lyon and Portsmouth, Baros had his most productive spell at Galatasaray, scoring 61 goals in 116 appearances and becoming the Süper Lig’s top scorer in his first season, contributing to a league title in 2011-12.

Ryan Babel

Ryan Babel, a promising winger, did not fully meet expectations at Liverpool but provided some memorable moments. He moved to Liverpool for £11.5m in 2007, helping the team reach the Champions League semi-finals in his first year.

After four seasons at Liverpool without major trophies, Babel played for several clubs, including Kasımpaşa S.K., Besiktas, and Galatasaray, making 100 appearances for Galatasaray from 2019 to 2022.