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“Gary Lineker Finally Reveals the Shocking Reason He Chose Everton Over Liverpool
Gary Lineker was Everton’s one-season wonder, leaving fans wondering what could have been, but his time at the club could have turned out very differently.
The former England international joined the Blues in the summer of 1985 from his boyhood club, Leicester City, for a fee of £800,000, determined by a tribunal.
During his single season at Goodison Park, Lineker scored an impressive 40 goals in 57 appearances, including goals in all three Merseyside derby matches he played in—a feat unmatched by any Everton player even after four decades.
However, despite his impressive goal tally, Everton won no trophies that season, finishing behind Liverpool, who claimed both the league title and the FA Cup.
After just one season, then-manager Howard Kendall allowed Lineker to move to Barcelona for £2.8 million, a transfer still debated to this day.
As Everton’s historic ground prepares for one final Merseyside derby, it’s intriguing to think how different things could have been if Lineker had ended up playing for Liverpool instead.
Lineker reflected on his transfer decision in an interview with the Everton matchday programme, saying, “Manchester United, Liverpool, and Everton were all in for me.
I was aware of the interest from all three, and it came down to whether I would sign for Manchester United, Liverpool, or Everton.”
At that time, Manchester United were not yet the powerhouse they became under Sir Alex Ferguson, and choosing between Liverpool and Everton was difficult. Lineker explained, “Liverpool already had Ian Rush, and I thought I was quite similar in style, so I might have found it tough to break into their team.”
He continued, “Howard Kendall told me that Andy Gray was leaving, and I knew that would be a tough act to follow, as he was adored by Everton fans. But meeting Howard made my decision easier. I knew about his playing career, and his personality was a big factor—he was engaging, passionate, and knew how to motivate players. He made me want to play for him.”
Reflecting on his time at Everton, Lineker said, “I don’t regret my decision. It was a fantastic year, even though it was just one year.”
He went on to describe the team as the best he had ever played for, adding, “Everton were the best side I’ve ever been part of. The players were great, and the atmosphere was incredible.
I can honestly say that, even after my time at Barcelona, who were transitioning at the time.”
Lineker expressed regret over not having more time at Everton, saying, “I wish I could have had another two or three seasons at Everton before moving to Barcelona.
If I’d had three or four years there, then gone to Barcelona, that would have been ideal. I watched Howard’s Way when it came out and thought it was fantastic.
It was the season before I joined, and it was an incredible year for the club. I just wish we could have matched that the following season when we came so close to winning the double.”
