Many hope for Christmas to come early, but in football it comes a little late. What should Liverpool do in the January transfer window?
Liverpool have enjoyed their best start to a season in many a year. They currently sit top of the Premier League table, leading Chelsea by a point, and are eagerly awaiting a Champions League last 16 showdown with Real Madrid. Nevertheless, there are queries aplenty as to whether the most drought-stricken of England’s 'Big Four' can sustain their push for a first EPL title – and, most of all, whether they boast the required quality of personnel to hold off their rivals.
While Liverpool have failed to mount anything resembling a title challenge in recent memory, little of the blame can be laid at their defenders’ feet. Pepe Reina picked up his third consecutive Golden Glove award last season and is well in the running for number four; Jamie Carragher, despite his recent blooper against Hull City, still marshals his back-line with aplomb; Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel are two of the most promising centre-halves in Europe, while the Reds could not ask for better cover than Finnish legend Sami Hyypia.
There is some uncertainty over Agger’s future, however. The Danish defender has been targeted by a number of clubs, including Real Madrid and AC Milan, since the summer, and it was thought he could scoot off after losing his starting spot earlier this season. Furthermore, delays over a new contract have kept alive the Rossoneri’s hopes of landing the talented 23-year-old. But Skrtel’s long-term injury has seen Agger settle into the first team once more, and it is most unlikely that manager Rafael Benitez would let the player leave at this point in time.
The core of the Kop rearguard is solid and sorted, but the same cannot be said for the wide areas. Alvaro Arbeloa has been consistent at right-back, but in truth the Spaniard has had to deal with absolutely no competition for his place since Steve Finnan left for Espanyol during the summer. Philipp Degen has been injured much of the time after joining from Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer in the off-season, and expectations were relatively low anyway, after his indifferent spell in Germany.
Much more disappointing has been Andrea Dossena. There was a bit of buzz surrounding the Italian international when he completed a €9 million move from Udinese, where he had established himself as an aggressive, attacking wing-back of considerable quality. But the 27-year-old has made no impact whatsoever in England, and he is being heavily tipped for an immediate return to Serie A. Whether that eventuates remains to be seen, but Rafa is known for his ruthlessness where flops are concerned (ask Mark Gonzales, Jan Kromkamp and Josemi, to name but a few).
As for fresh faces, England wing-back Glen Johnson is thought to have caught the Kop’s interest with his excellent form for Portsmouth; he could provide a more attacking alternative to Arbeloa. Perhaps the left flank is of more concern, but Benitez may opt to entrust Argentine youngster Emiliano Insua with the job of covering the injury-prone Fabio Aurelio. However, Real Madrid’s Gabriel Heinze has been mentioned in the press this month.
In the centre of the park, few teams in Europe boast the sort of talents Liverpool possess. Uncertainty over Xabi Alonso’s future has died down - rumours concerning Arsenal, Juventus and Gareth Barry linger, but have yet to regain their former momentum - and the Basque playmaker is quite possibly the Premier League’s form midfielder this season. Javier Mascherano continues to cement his reputation as one of the world’s best holding players, while Steven Gerrard’s importance goes without saying.
There have been some grumblings about young Lucas Leiva, though, as the Brazilian is yet to deliver on the huge promise he showed while at Gremio. Boss Benitez has faith in the former Bola de Ouro winner, but even that hasn’t completely quelled rumours of a potential sale. Manchester City’s Michael Johnson has been put forth as a possible replacement, albeit very tentatively.
However, the bulk of the focus is again on the Merseysiders’ flanks. While Albert Riera has settled well since joining from Espanyol in the summer, and Dirk Kuyt has been as indefatigable as ever in his new role on the right, the rest of Anfield’s wide-men could be on their way. Yossi Benayoun has made it clear that he will leave the club if his first-team prospects don’t improve, but the Israeli should stick around until season’s end. Ryan Babel is similarly frustrated, and the Dutch forward recently confessed that he attempted to wangle a loan return to Ajax only to be thwarted by Benitez & co.
Then there is Jermaine Pennant. The English winger has plummeted down the pecking order at Liverpool, so much so that he finds himself behind even Moroccan reserve Nabil El Zhar. The 25-year-old knocked back moves to Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers during the summer, but now he seems certain to leave Liverpool sooner or later.
Tottenham Hotspur have registered an interest in Pennant – Spurs boss Harry Redknapp tried to take him to Portsmouth in the last transfer window – and it is thought a swap-deal involving Aaron Lennon has been put on the table. The Reds have been repeatedly linked with the 21-year-old over the last couple of years, and his ability to tear up either wing with his pace and guile could give them an extra edge going forward.
Less than six months into his Liverpool adventure, Robbie Keane could be headed for the scrapheap. So much was expected of the Irishman when he joined from Spurs; his record at White Hart Lane was impeccable, after all, particularly during his last two seasons there. But his nervy performances have failed to justify his €20 million price tag, and already rumours have sprung up of a return to North London – even though Premier League law rules out that possibility. The ex-Inter man should be given until at least the end of the campaign to turn things around, but Benitez may nevertheless draft in another striker next month.
Fernando Torres’ hamstring trouble has exposed the somewhat one-dimensional nature of the Reds’ attack, as they have struggled since his latest setback. Keane and Kuyt have been rotated through the centre-forward slot in El Nino’s absence but neither have found any great consistency, although Dutchman Dirk has had some good moments. French youngster David N’Gog has earned mixed reviews when given a chance, while Babel remains curiously under-used up top.
So a new body may be required, and that could mean a surprise return to Merseyside for Emile Heskey. The Wigan Athletic targetman spent over four seasons with Liverpool before his ignominious departure in 2004, and he is back in fashion after a string of scintillating showings for Fabio Capello’s England. The 31-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season, and Benitez is thought to fancy him as an ideal back-up for Torres, who is reportedly in Man City’s sights.
Heskey is not the only ex-Red on Rafa’s radar, though, as Michael Owen could finally return to Anfield after leaving for Real Madrid four years ago. The 29-year-old is embroiled in a contract dispute at Newcastle United, and Liverpool are one of several clubs eager to make use of his inimitable goalscoring talents.
While much of the transfer gossip has centred on the playing squad, there are also a few questions concerning the manager's position. Benitez is yet to finalise the contract extension he was promised last season, as the club's American owners have been as hesitant to sit down at the negotiating table as to free up transfer funds. But recent reports indicate that a new deal has been agreed and needs only to be inked, meaning Juve and all other suitors should start looking elsewhere.
Liverpool have enjoyed their best start to a season in many a year. They currently sit top of the Premier League table, leading Chelsea by a point, and are eagerly awaiting a Champions League last 16 showdown with Real Madrid. Nevertheless, there are queries aplenty as to whether the most drought-stricken of England’s 'Big Four' can sustain their push for a first EPL title – and, most of all, whether they boast the required quality of personnel to hold off their rivals.
While Liverpool have failed to mount anything resembling a title challenge in recent memory, little of the blame can be laid at their defenders’ feet. Pepe Reina picked up his third consecutive Golden Glove award last season and is well in the running for number four; Jamie Carragher, despite his recent blooper against Hull City, still marshals his back-line with aplomb; Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel are two of the most promising centre-halves in Europe, while the Reds could not ask for better cover than Finnish legend Sami Hyypia.
There is some uncertainty over Agger’s future, however. The Danish defender has been targeted by a number of clubs, including Real Madrid and AC Milan, since the summer, and it was thought he could scoot off after losing his starting spot earlier this season. Furthermore, delays over a new contract have kept alive the Rossoneri’s hopes of landing the talented 23-year-old. But Skrtel’s long-term injury has seen Agger settle into the first team once more, and it is most unlikely that manager Rafael Benitez would let the player leave at this point in time.
The core of the Kop rearguard is solid and sorted, but the same cannot be said for the wide areas. Alvaro Arbeloa has been consistent at right-back, but in truth the Spaniard has had to deal with absolutely no competition for his place since Steve Finnan left for Espanyol during the summer. Philipp Degen has been injured much of the time after joining from Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer in the off-season, and expectations were relatively low anyway, after his indifferent spell in Germany.
Much more disappointing has been Andrea Dossena. There was a bit of buzz surrounding the Italian international when he completed a €9 million move from Udinese, where he had established himself as an aggressive, attacking wing-back of considerable quality. But the 27-year-old has made no impact whatsoever in England, and he is being heavily tipped for an immediate return to Serie A. Whether that eventuates remains to be seen, but Rafa is known for his ruthlessness where flops are concerned (ask Mark Gonzales, Jan Kromkamp and Josemi, to name but a few).
As for fresh faces, England wing-back Glen Johnson is thought to have caught the Kop’s interest with his excellent form for Portsmouth; he could provide a more attacking alternative to Arbeloa. Perhaps the left flank is of more concern, but Benitez may opt to entrust Argentine youngster Emiliano Insua with the job of covering the injury-prone Fabio Aurelio. However, Real Madrid’s Gabriel Heinze has been mentioned in the press this month.
In the centre of the park, few teams in Europe boast the sort of talents Liverpool possess. Uncertainty over Xabi Alonso’s future has died down - rumours concerning Arsenal, Juventus and Gareth Barry linger, but have yet to regain their former momentum - and the Basque playmaker is quite possibly the Premier League’s form midfielder this season. Javier Mascherano continues to cement his reputation as one of the world’s best holding players, while Steven Gerrard’s importance goes without saying.
There have been some grumblings about young Lucas Leiva, though, as the Brazilian is yet to deliver on the huge promise he showed while at Gremio. Boss Benitez has faith in the former Bola de Ouro winner, but even that hasn’t completely quelled rumours of a potential sale. Manchester City’s Michael Johnson has been put forth as a possible replacement, albeit very tentatively.
However, the bulk of the focus is again on the Merseysiders’ flanks. While Albert Riera has settled well since joining from Espanyol in the summer, and Dirk Kuyt has been as indefatigable as ever in his new role on the right, the rest of Anfield’s wide-men could be on their way. Yossi Benayoun has made it clear that he will leave the club if his first-team prospects don’t improve, but the Israeli should stick around until season’s end. Ryan Babel is similarly frustrated, and the Dutch forward recently confessed that he attempted to wangle a loan return to Ajax only to be thwarted by Benitez & co.
Then there is Jermaine Pennant. The English winger has plummeted down the pecking order at Liverpool, so much so that he finds himself behind even Moroccan reserve Nabil El Zhar. The 25-year-old knocked back moves to Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers during the summer, but now he seems certain to leave Liverpool sooner or later.
Tottenham Hotspur have registered an interest in Pennant – Spurs boss Harry Redknapp tried to take him to Portsmouth in the last transfer window – and it is thought a swap-deal involving Aaron Lennon has been put on the table. The Reds have been repeatedly linked with the 21-year-old over the last couple of years, and his ability to tear up either wing with his pace and guile could give them an extra edge going forward.
Less than six months into his Liverpool adventure, Robbie Keane could be headed for the scrapheap. So much was expected of the Irishman when he joined from Spurs; his record at White Hart Lane was impeccable, after all, particularly during his last two seasons there. But his nervy performances have failed to justify his €20 million price tag, and already rumours have sprung up of a return to North London – even though Premier League law rules out that possibility. The ex-Inter man should be given until at least the end of the campaign to turn things around, but Benitez may nevertheless draft in another striker next month.
Fernando Torres’ hamstring trouble has exposed the somewhat one-dimensional nature of the Reds’ attack, as they have struggled since his latest setback. Keane and Kuyt have been rotated through the centre-forward slot in El Nino’s absence but neither have found any great consistency, although Dutchman Dirk has had some good moments. French youngster David N’Gog has earned mixed reviews when given a chance, while Babel remains curiously under-used up top.
So a new body may be required, and that could mean a surprise return to Merseyside for Emile Heskey. The Wigan Athletic targetman spent over four seasons with Liverpool before his ignominious departure in 2004, and he is back in fashion after a string of scintillating showings for Fabio Capello’s England. The 31-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season, and Benitez is thought to fancy him as an ideal back-up for Torres, who is reportedly in Man City’s sights.
Heskey is not the only ex-Red on Rafa’s radar, though, as Michael Owen could finally return to Anfield after leaving for Real Madrid four years ago. The 29-year-old is embroiled in a contract dispute at Newcastle United, and Liverpool are one of several clubs eager to make use of his inimitable goalscoring talents.
While much of the transfer gossip has centred on the playing squad, there are also a few questions concerning the manager's position. Benitez is yet to finalise the contract extension he was promised last season, as the club's American owners have been as hesitant to sit down at the negotiating table as to free up transfer funds. But recent reports indicate that a new deal has been agreed and needs only to be inked, meaning Juve and all other suitors should start looking elsewhere.
