Liverpool sold the midfielder to Chelsea – and he is said to already be considering an exit from the Blues this summer. Should he head back to Anfield?
Roy Hodgson did not do too many things right in his short stint at Anfield, but his signing of Raul Meireles was inspired, with the midfielder voted Fans Player of the Year by Liverpool supporters last season.
It was under Kenny Dalglish that Meireles finding his best form, putting in his best performances after the Liverpool legend took over at the start of 2011.
Which is why it was such a shock that Dalglish elected to sell the player to Chelsea on transfer deadline day.
Cynics would suggest it was to make way for his new signings, £20 million Jordan Henderson and £8 million Charlie Adam.
Months on, with Liverpool far behind league leaders and bitter rivals Manchester United, his decision to jettison the Portuguese for Charlie Adam does not look too clever.
It was even more mystifying considering how well Meireles linked up with Luis Suarez after coming off the bench against Arsenal in August, in one of his last games, indicating there was a blossoming understanding between the pair.
He was signed by fellow Portuguese Andre Villas-Boas at Chelsea, but his move has turned sour, with Meireles linked to a dressing room split, as one of Villas-Boas’ most loyal players, even when played out of position regularly in a defensive midfield role.
Today the Sun is reporting that Meireles is so unimpressed with Villas-Boas sacking, he is adamant he wants to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer.
He started in Naples three weeks ago, but missed the return leg last night through suspension.
He scored the first goal under Di Matteo against Birmingham last week, but refused to celebrate, showing his discontent at his former manager’s sacking. Then he was subbed off after just 37 minutes against Stoke on Saturday, much to his disbelief.
So should Liverpool weigh in with a bid this summer?
Surely it is a no-brainer. Meireles was well-respected by fans, supporters, and fellow players, and could fit back seamlessly into the club’s set up.
Dalglish will be aware his transfer policy has not been an immediate success, and he can undo one of his biggest mistakes by buying back Meireles.
He was signed by Chelsea for £11 million, but if he is not in the club’s plans, Liverpool could surely buy the 28-year-old star back for less, say £7 million, making a tidy profit too.
It seems like the perfect solution for all parties, and Liverpool should look to start making it happen.
Should Dalglish bring Raul Meireles back to Anfield?
image: © wonker
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