Earlier today, the Telegraph revealed that Liverpool were closing in on the signing of Jay Spearing, as part of an innovative scheme.
Now, the Reds have confirmed the news in an official announcement.
What’s the story?
Well, you may be quite confused, and we wouldn’t blame you if you are.
No, Jürgen Klopp hasn’t decided to bring Spearing back to Anfield to compete with the likes of Thiago.
Instead, the 33-year-old will return to Merseyside with the specific job of playing Under-23 football, where he is expected to help Liverpool’s young prospects out on the pitch.
According to the Telegraph, the interesting initiative was suggested by Alex Inglethorpe, who works as Youth Director at Liverpool.
Spearing – who used to captain the Under-18 side at Liverpool – will also assist with coaching the younger age groups, in what is a duel role.
The Wallasey-born midfielder left Tranmere Rovers this summer, and has pursued a career in coaching while being a regular visitor at Kirkby.
Spearing left Liverpool in 2013 after making 55 appearances for the Reds, including a start in the 2012 FA Cup final against Chelsea.
Liverpool & Jay Spearing not the first to do this
While the Telegraph state that Inglethorpe initiated the idea at Liverpool, other clubs have already done something similar in the past.
Manchester United did the same with Paul McShane, who returned to Old Trafford at the age of 35, but was never registered to play for the first-team.
Brighton also signed Gary Dicker to help their youth setup, while Southampton hired Olly Lancashire to guide their prospects through academy football.
It was something first seen at Bayern Munich, who, according to the Guardian, fielded 32-year-old Nicolas Feldhahn among the youngsters to help smooth the pathway into the first-team.
With so many exciting talents at Liverpool, such as Mateusz Musiałowski, life will hopefully be made easier by the presence of an experienced figure in Spearing.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
