Liverpool’s transfer dealings – Are they value for money? Are they good enough?
I like the way Mr.Henry from Boston (Liverpool’s Principal Owner) always backs his manager in the transfer market trying to solve the chronic slump in form by Liverpool FC.
They backed the Kenny Dalglish to spend $150 million for a 7th place finish after Hodgson’s errors, and now they are backing Rodgers this summer.
But with each passing transfer I have the same question, “How many recent big money Liverpool signings would walk into one of the teams competing for the title.” – Not many.
The two clubs from Manchester and Chelsea have ruled the roost in the Premier League for the best part of the decade now and over they years have had some very successful buys in the transfer market. They do have their fair share of ‘flops’ but most of the buys are quality even if they come at a price.
Liverpool have spent a lot of money in recent transfer windows but players coming in won’t make the first team at those clubs or are not being chased by them.
Below are the three Liverpool’s three most expensive signing over the past two summers.
1. Joe Allen £15 million
Joe Allen seems to be a good player coming at a big price, but again not a top talent in the Premier League and would not command a starting spot in a United or City side this season. A top midfielder for a mid-table club but not someone who would be a first choice for title contenders.
2. Jordan Henderson £16 million
Again, a good young talent at Sunderland and a good midfielder at a mid-table club but he hasn’t taken the next step so far. Time is on his side, but considering his huge fee there are questions, and Allen may force him down the pecking order.
3. Stewart Downing £20 million
A good player for a club that finished around 10th. He came to Liverpool for a big price tag, considered to be the future England left winger. But none of the top club made a run for him and will be more than glad they didn’t after his poor first season at Anfield.
And then there are Charlie Adam and Andy Carroll.
Do you see a trend here? Liverpool have been buying players that have been good at a mid-table Premier League clubs, and are good enough to take a club to 7th or 8th in the league but not players who would win you a league or even challenge for top 4 finish.
The worst part of it is they have been paying good money for these players.
Consider this summer itself, would you take Shinji Kagawa (Twice Bundesliga winner) at £17 million pounds, Santi Cazorla for the same fee, or Joe Allen from Swansea at £15 million pounds.
So I wonder, Are Liverpool losing the Top 4 finishing spots in July/August even before the season starts with their transfers?
image: © kevinzim
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