Liverpool Transfer Round Up

Liverpool Football Club Transfer Analysis

Written by Hari Jaswal

'Where is he?'-  Rodgers with the much wanted Clint Dempsey

August 31st is one of the most highly anticipated dates in the football calendar for one reason, and for one reason only. Transfer Deadline Day. And for Liverpool Football Club anticipation and excitement was swiftly reduced to bitter disappointment.

Despite new boss Brendan Rodgers bringing in talented reinforcements in the shape of Swansea star Joe Allen and midfield maestro Nuri Sahin a proven goal scorer is something both Brendan and Liverpool craved. With Clint Dempsey being a long time target for Rodgers a deal was almost certain to be completed, especially seeing as Andy Carroll had been loaned out to newly promoted and highly ambitious West Ham United. However, Liverpool used the money brought in by Charlie Adam’s deadline day switch to Stoke to assemble a £4 million bid for the American Superstar.

'Aren't i glad to see you '-  Rodgers with the highly rated Allen

Clint Dempsey had already rejected moves to Aston Villa and was also rumoured to have rejected Sunderland in favour of an Anfield switch. Ever reliable Sky Sports News later reported that Fulham had rejected a bid from Liverpool and it seemed likely that despite Dempsey’s willingness to join a deal was never going to materialise. And it didn’t. Clint Dempsey was spotted at Tottenham Hotspur’s ground and later put pen to paper on a three year deal which would see him join Tottenham for a mere £6 million. 

''White's more my colour'' - Dempsey surprises everyone with a last minute move to Spurs 

Liverpool had missed out on a perfect solution to their ongoing goal scoring problem. It wasn’t all bad news for Liverpool however, as Fabio Borini was brought in. A young and talented striker who also has previous experience under Brendan Rodgers. Along with Sahin, Allen and Borini came a relatively unknown and perhaps surprise signing in the form of Moroccan winger Oussama Assaidi, brought in from Dutch club Heerenveen. Assaidi is a very hard working, two footed and tricky winger who can supply both goals, and assists, proven by the 20 goals he has scored in just 79 games, which for a winger is quite an impressive haul. This dynamic style of play is something Liverpool lacked last season. 

Despite these incomings there have been several high profile exits. And there is a repetitive factor linked to all of them; age. None less than four players over the age of 30 have left, and they were all on astronomical wages compared to their contribution. These players include Dirk Kuyt, Craig Bellamy, talismanic Maxi Rodriguez and the always-injured Fabio Aurelio. All four players had the ability to impress at Anfield but also had a downside to their game. Craig Bellamy’s temperament always seemed to hinder him, especially during his first spell at Anfield, most memorable for the infamous golf-club accident. Dirk Kuyt never seemed to be a problem as he was always well-disciplined and forever the man for a big occasion. Much like his former team-mate Maxi who, late on in his career turned out to be a prolific goal scorer, yet Liverpool still sold him, showing Brendan Rodgers’ ruthlessness when it comes to installing his philosophy and making his mark on the Liverpool team Kenny Dalglish left him.

'I can't even look at you' - Carroll was forced to join West Ham on loan after Rodger's says he's not in his plans 

Now, a quick overview of what Liverpool’s new signings have to offer.

* Nuri Sahin – The Turkish playmaker has much to offer, not only can he go forward and has phenomenal vision, he can also tackle and will help Liverpool in any way possible, proving to be an ideal replacement for the recently injured Lucas.

* Joe Allen – The Welsh Xabi Alonso! An amazing player who can pretty much do anything, attack, defend, retain possession. You name it, and he can do it.

* Fabio Borini – Young, but a natural goal scorer who has worked under Rodgers before, only time will tell how good he actually is.

* Oussama Assaidi – The versatile Moroccan winger who offers massive amounts going forward and a seemingly ideal winger, who, if he performs well Liverpool could have found themselves a real bargain.

These signings fit Brendan Rodgers’ style perfectly, and if they can gel and perform well who knows what is possible?