LFC Transfer Business So Far…
After a well earned break to concentrate on real life, I’m now able to return to put my two-penneth worth to Liverpool FC and Jürgen Klopp’s transfer business thus far.
As things stand, Klopp has been busy adding his stamp to the team whilst at the same time, getting rid of some of the dead wood still hanging around like a bad smell. In simple terms, this dead wood equates to Mario Balotelli and Christian Benteke. Others, fortunately and unfortunately have already been shipped out being Martin Skrtel and Jordon Ibe respectively. Jordan Rossiter, Jerome Sinclair, Carlos Teixeira, Sergi Canos all past tense. Plus the immense Kolo Touré and the useless José Enrique. Departed. The almost dead wood, in Lucas Leiva and potentially Joe Allen, are hotly tipped to follow suit.
Messrs. Leiva and Allen would, in the eyes of many Reds fans, be sorely missed. The Brazilian, I reluctantly have to accept, has likely come to the end of a near 10-year stint at Anfield with firm interest from Galatasaray as reported by Talksport.
Allen, the Welsh Xavi, Perlo… Or terrier (take your pick), has been the subject of intense speculation even before his head-turning exploits at the Euros. Seemingly, a return to Swansea may be on the cards. Even possibly to Manchester United if the words of the Guardian are to be believed. A move that would land the Jesus H. Christ look-a-like in a worse predicament than he’s in now in terms of regular game time. So likely back home to the valleys for Joe.
One thing that has pleased me in this circus of a transfer season is that Liverpool are not looking to get rid of players at whatever cost. Skrtel and Ibe have left the club for decent fees of £5m and £15m respectively. Good business in anyone’s book. In comparison to Robbie Keane who was bought from Tottenham for £20m and promptly sold back the following season for £10m, or Alberto Aquilani – a reported £17m purchase, eventually given away for free in desperation – it’s as if the club has either finally acquired some simple business acumen.
Holding out for £32m for Benteke is a tad fool hardy in my opinion, when they can offload the Belgian to Crystal Palace for £27-30m doesn’t seem like that bad a deal. As I’ve pointed out, we’ve done worse. Much, much worse. As for Balotelli… Well, I think two pints of lager and a packet of crisps may well be the return on the biggest gamble since a Leicester City fan put £50 on the Foxes to win the Premiership.
In terms of new arrivals. I have to say, I’ve been impressed with the business Klopp has done so far. Or am I? Joel Matip looks like a very handy central defender, although I’m concerned the club may have bought a(nother) dud on hearing the manager say “it’s the same foot he had problems with before…” after he left the field late on in the pre-season match against Wigan Athletic. Good to know, Jürgen. Thanks.
Same goes for Marco Gurjić. The 20 year-old from Red Star Belgrade may well have scored on his debut, but he’s also promptly fallen prey to “illness” whatever that is… He looks a decent buy. A strong and brave young lad, but please, please – let’s not find out he’s related to Aquilani! It doesn’t stop there either.
On hearing the name Loris Klarius, I thought to myself: “Funny… That sounds like ‘Hilarious’ “. And so it came to pass. Letting the ball run under his feet and almost into the goal during the 0-2 win at Wigan on Sunday. Oh Lord! Last but not least, we have the club’s big-money signing of the summer. Sadio Mané.
The latest purchase from Liverpool’s feeder club on the south coast – Southampton FC, hasn’t looked too bad in fairness to him. He’s the only proven Premier League performer to be brought in so far and he’s done alright when called upon. The lad has pace and a very good eye for a pass which makes me excited at the prospect of watching him this coming season. That reminds me, I remember having similar thoughts about Dejan Lovren when he arrived. I hope it doesn’t take Mané a full season of mediocrity to start showing some form.
In reality, the best performers have been the youngsters. Ben Woodburn has taken all the plaudits, but for me Trent Alexander-Arnold has been marginally the best find. He’s got so much talent with skill, poise and vision to add to his tenacity. Definitely one to look out for. Ovie Ejaria is like our very own little Patrick Viera and Ryan Kent – although raw and occasionally erratic – holds lots of promise. With Sheyi Ojo, Brad Smith and Conor Randall coming through last season, the best recruits have definitely come from within from what I’ve seen.
The jury is out right now. The time to judge is 10 games into the new season. The team needs to be in or around the top-four if ambitions are to be realised and Klopp to retain his legend. If the early injuries are not serious and the new players can get some more game time under their belts, then I’m cautiously optimistic.
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