Quantcast
View from the Kop

We’re Still Too Slow In The Transfer Market

|
Image for We’re Still Too Slow In The Transfer Market

SO the Borini ‘saga’ has finally come to an end and I can’t say I’m disappointed. It was beginning to drag a bit and, to be perfectly honest, I wasn’t overly fussy about whether we signed him or not.

I know little about the player and I think that the reported £7.8-£11 million that we’ve paid for him is ever-so-slightly on the steep side. But what’s done is done and I’ll be behind him all the way next season, provided he looks like he’s been a value for money player.

I’ve mentioned recently that I was concerned with some of the names we’ve been getting linked with since the 2012 Euros ended, so I’m glad that the Scott Sinclair, Joe Allen, Mark Davies and so on, rumours have died down in recent days.

But with Dirk Kuyt and Maxi having already left, and now it appears that Craig Bellamy won’t be too far behind, I’m becoming a little concerned that the club is bleeding quality players.

Rodgers stated earlier in the week that we’d have two new signings – he hoped – by the end of the week, one of which would particularly excite Reds fans. Now, Borini may well go on to excite us once we actually see him play but I certainly wouldn’t call him an exciting signing. For all intents and purposes, the young striker is seen as a replacement for Dirk; he can assist out wide, play as a support striker or as a striker on his own, if need be, so that’s that hole filled.

However, there is now a Maxi-sized hole in the side of Anfield and a Bellamy-shaped one may be joining it in a few days. While I know these two (and Kuyt) are all ageing, they are still top quality players and you have to replace them with players of a similar quality and really, it needs to be in time for them to get a proper pre-season in before the Premier League starts. And if you consider that all three were pretty much a guarantee of 5-10 goals a season – each – then we’ve really got some replacing to do, considering the shambles that was our ability to score last season.

Then, of course, there is the rumour surrounding Andy Carroll’s (reported) imminent departure. I wrote earlier in the week that I supported his possible loaning to a club like Milan but that I didn’t really see the benefit of sending him to play for a smaller club like West Ham; a permanent move would be better suited, if that turned out to be the case. However, given that it now looks like we’ll start the week with three less attacking players than before, letting a fourth go without having at least a couple more replacements lined up would be a huge mistake.
[ad_pod id=”unruly-video” align=”center”]
My big concern is that we haven’t moved quickly enough to remedy these departures. Other top clubs such as Arsenal, United and Tottenham all had their summer targets lined up months ago and the deals are pretty much done. Whereas Liverpool seem to have been kicking their heels for a couple of months now and I’m sure a lot of players at the club don’t know whether they’re coming or going. Surely with the very important US Tour due to start this week, it would’ve been of paramount importance to have the main bulk of our transfers boxed off by now? Particularly given that we’re going to lose some of our key men once the Olympic Games starts.

Now, I’m aware that Rodgers hasn’t been in the job too long, so I would have to say that my criticisms aren’t really of him, not entirely. No, my real concern is that we haven’t come very far since Rick Parry and that our ability to shorten the process between identifying a target and wrapping it up hasn’t changed. So far this summer we’ve been linked with all kinds of players from Daniel Sturridge to Xabi Alonso (however highly unlikely that one was), and the one player we’ve signed up to now was busy telling us a couple of weeks ago that he had no intention of moving to Liverpool.

If we had not signed a single player this summer, I wouldn’t have been too fussed. I felt that, if the targets we had weren’t going to significantly improve us, and were only going to further drain to the coffers to warm up the bench, then we’d be better off waiting until the right players became available. Better yet (and I will never stop championing this cause, ever), would it not be a good time to give the team an injection of youth? If FSG are all about potential and sell-on value, then look no further than our superb academy and reserve teams guys!

I’m still optimistic that this season can be a success and that we’ll bring in a few more good players but I will still hold out concerns that, behind the scenes, the club still hasn’t matured since the days of Rafa Benitez and that really needs to change. Soon.

Live4Liverpool is recruiting columnists. For further info contact the site editor at live4liverpool@snack-media.com

Follow us on Twitter here: @live4Liverpool and ‘Like’ us on Facebook

Share this article

I'm a 32 year old Liverpool fan, living in the heart of the City Centre. I've supported the club since the day I was born and have been writing articles for L4L for over 3 years, writing close over 350 articles in that time. My favorite player of the past generation is Sami Hyypia.

I am the current editor for L4L, with my day job being in R&D for the NHS.

38 comments

  • Mark #ynwa says:

    We were always behind the 8-ball, having sacked Kenny and gone through a prolonged recruitment process to finally appoint Rodgers.

    Whilst there have been many rumours, I can’t see us making many moves until January…giving BR time to assess all players in & around the first team squad, which includes some of the youth/reserves plus the obvious assessments required on Cole, Aquaman and Pacheco.

    Easy to look at last season and say we need a number of new additions, but a new philosophy should suit most of the squad….

    I guess what I’m saying is: yes, we’re slow in the transfer market, but rightfully so.

    So don’t expect many more dealings unless players go the other way first….

    • sleeps with angels says:

      Why do you think its right mark? we have let a couple of players leave and maybe a couple more,it
      was plain to see last season that some of our players are not good enough and are still here
      Adam,downing,enrique and spearing,we have also brought back cole and crystal legs who wanted to
      stay in italy yet nobody wants him.
      Mark are you employed by these american clown owners who dont have a pot to piss in like the
      the rest of bankrupt(or is that corrupt) america?

      • Mark #ynwa says:

        Firstly, my opinions are my own….and to answer your idiotic question..NO.

        I stand by my comment of being rightfully slow in the transfer market – but only for this season, as it is relevant for the following reasons:

        As stated in my initial response, a new manager needs time to assess his squad, and whilst all the video’s from last season may help, it’s more important for an assessment to be made in a live environment, using his preferred system and tactics….unless he plans to adopt exactly the same system and tactics to Kenny? (I’d put my mortgage on him not doing).

        Players don’t become bad overnight…and to be fair, whilst our league position was poor, had we had “a little bit of luck” our points haul would have been much much better, and our league position along with it. Also, the football we played AT TIMES was outstanding.

        However, whilst we fans have our opinion, to which we are ALL entitled, the important opinion is BR and his coaching team…..he is the one employed by the club, he is the one with all of the vital information, coupled with his idea of how he plans to take the club forward and he must make informed decisions to get things right, not knee jerk reactions. (note ALL in capitals as that includes me, and you, and whilst yours clearly differs to mine I respect your opinion and will not mock, slate or taunt you for having one, only children do that)

        The vital information includes transfer kitty, wage budget, his preferred system, tactics, club objective in year 1, 2, 3 etc and how the players re-joining the squad along with youth players with potential to earn game time can all fit into the plan.

        So, TIME is the key…along with selling players “not required/not good enough/not ideal for his philosophy” and whilst we would all like some marquee signings, perhaps it’s better for us to remain patient, apply realism and believe/hope that BR gets things right.

        It’s a historical trend that the transfer market is slow in World Cup & Euro years and the Olympics add further complexity to the situation. 6 weeks until the end of the transfer window, which is 6 weeks for BR to implement his plans and assess his squad before making some changes….both in & out. (Seems he’s already trying to generate significant funds by selling Carroll)

        I believe in staying patient, for now….

        • sleeps with angels says:

          Mark ok fair points you made and put them across
          well,but i dont think asking you if you were trolling for the american clowns such a idiotic question,i am passionate about my team mate and have been for over 40 odd years,and i dont think
          that our zionist american owners give a toss obout
          my club….only about money!

  • Paul says:

    One thing we need is pace.We must be one of the slowest teams in premiership especially in midfield.

  • YNWA says:

    Stopped reading after this gem

    “I know little about the player and I think that the reported £7.8-£11 million that we’ve paid for him is ever-so-slightly on the steep side.”

    If you don’t know anything about the player how can you comment if its steep?

  • Elias says:

    I like this article.i think the type of players linked with the team determine the coach most players we linking with are average,mr BR should be careful in the transfer window and learn some lessons coz to replace someone with kuyts ability is not easy and if carrol still dream of newcastle just let him go we can find a player than him

  • Chris says:

    Awful article from the sort of fan who spends too much time on championship manager. BR will use the US tour to see how the likes of Aquilani, Pacheco and cole fit into his plans, if at all.

    To essentially say he should have made his signings by now is pathetic. Dalglish wasted millions and thank god he’s gone and I’m happy to support BR in making a sensible approach to new signings.

    • sleeps with angels says:

      Chris your a bell-end mate! we need players now
      or we will just finish mid table with the crap
      we have at the moment.

    • Mark #ynwa says:

      I agree entirely and said as much in my response above.

      Patience is a virtue that not all are blessed with, particularly children who call people “bell-end” for having a mature and realistic opinion.

      I’m guessing “sleeps with angels” is I.R.O 14yrs old…..

      • sleeps with angels says:

        Mark what the F..K has this got to do with you??
        if i want to call someone bellend thats my opinion
        like you stated,and dont call me a child i find comments like that very immature! you come across
        like the kid who takes the ball home if his team aint winning.

  • VinKopite says:

    Very concerning the lack of activity so far. Especially with Maxi gone, Kuyt gone, Carroll going, Bellamy possibly (I really hope he doesnt go).
    What we are then left with is a much weakened squad. I’d have expected to see much more activity by mid July.
    However, I do hope Aquilani and Cole can bring a little more to the table this coming season. But we must look for some pacey players and another decent striker at least.
    Walcott is being talked about, but he is a squad player. We need quality with pace that can assist and score.

    • Chris says:

      Yeah we should sign Messi, Ronaldo and iniesta given we are such a big draw nowadays. Walcott is obviously a squad player.

      Idiot. Get with the times. We don’t have CL football, next goal is to scrape 4th place the we have a chance of attracting the big guns and progress.

      • VinKopite says:

        Idiot? Well your response was about as idiotic as one could get. Did I say go sign world class players and spend £100 mil in doing so? No.
        Reality is this – we need quick pacey attacking mid players, wide men with pace and delivery, and 3rd decent striker, to compliment Suarez and Borini.
        There are better options and cheaper (going by some price suggestions) than Walcott. Who are no doubt at least as good if not better, Scott Sinclair, Moses, Johnson…
        Pacheco is very unlikely to get in the first team squad. Should he be given a chance though, probably.
        And I already stated i’d like to see Aquliani and Cole bring something to the table, both are capable players, tho both lack pace.
        Im not looking for LFC to sign world class players, even top internationals as we just can’t attract them right now, but we need quality signings nonetheless, and this is no reflection on BR, it’s the club dragging its heels again.
        So before you respond with moronic insults, maybe you should try an intelligent and constructive response.

        • sleeps with angels says:

          Vinkopite good comments and spot on mate!
          take no notice of that chris fella a complete bell end .

    • Prole79 says:

      Bellamy said he was happy to stay and and Rodgers said he wanted to keep him. End of.

      • VinKopite says:

        Great, havent read or heard about that myself, but good news if so. Provides a wide left or right option and back up striker.

        • Shibashis says:

          I have read it too somewhere that Bellamy wanted to stay and BR also wants him. On the other hand I have never read an article that actually says that either of the two parties concerned (Bellamy and BR) say the Bellamy wants to leave or something in similar lines. These rumors do not help matter any bit, silly season is all the excuse these pathetic journalists need.

      • Miles says:

        @Shibashis: Did you not see the brimming face of Bellamy blasted all over the newspapers? Bellamy is most definitely staying put at Anfield. Especially now, since Rodgers has gifted the Welshman a brand new 3-iron Taylormade club.

    • Mark #ynwa says:

      We need to understand if Bellamy & Carrol are going, and who else with them, in order to appreciate just how much…by way of potential transfer funds & wage budget are available for replacements.

      Only then can we make the right signings…what would you prefer:

      a) Average players using limited funds now, or

      b) Class players using all funds available after those that wish to leave, and those that will be told are not required are moved on?

      My guess you would prefer b, so, give BR time and stop panicking you child.

  • alfonzo mo says:

    paid ~10 mill for borini and yet too much. what do you call the 35mill for andy then. 10 mill in todays market for any player is very reasonable in my book. up to 20mill he had better be excellent while up to 30mill the player has to be exceptional.

  • Uchebani says:

    BR Should be alowed to do his job as it pleases him. I knw evri lfc fan is pasonat about d club.but pls lets not discract him wt article dat tends to want to discredit him. Lets all just watch an see hw he rebuids and up messes messed by prevews managers

    • Booga says:

      What on earth are you wittering on about? If you wish to make a comment please learn to speak English.

  • Dunc says:

    Do you think the delays might be down to only recently appointing a new manager? Perhaps he isn’t even familiar with his squad yet?

  • Zinc says:

    Since his arrival rogers has asked for patience. Let’s give him just that. Let’s be analytical and car eful. If we had patience and care last summer our kitty this year may well have been larger. Rogers seems to not panic just the leadership the club needs. And I reckon he’s looking at those rookies that’s why so many are in the states. Patience.

    • Septimus says:

      Zinc,

      Agreed give Brendan some TIME he’s first moves in the transfer have been good.

      FACT IS that Dalglish was the worst Manager we have had since Dalglish was manager if you catch my drift.

      He signed some truly awful players in Carroll,Downing & Adam.

      For me if Brendan can convince Aquilani to stay given what I saw of him last season at Milan we have the player we thought we signed under Rafa.

      • Mark #ynwa says:

        Zinc makes a slightly fair point for one reason:

        Carroll was a knee jerk panic buy, and we got mugged in the process.

        Comolli and Dalglish paid 35m for a second rate donkey who never was, and never will be Liverpool Football Club quality.

        And for that, FSG have tightened the purse….we need to recoup what we can by selling him and replacing him with someone that can pass, score, works hard all season and not just before the Euro’s….etc etc.

        I also hope Aquaman can do the biz, but i have my doubts…he was back on the treatment table last week…

  • Rafa says:

    “the club still hasn’t matured since the days of Rafa Benitez and that really needs to change. Soon.”..

    Rafa bought some of the greatest players we’ve had in the last 20 years! can you even imagine us signing the likes of Reina, Luis Garcia, Alonso, Agger, Skrtel, Mascherano and Torres?? quality players all good enough to play for top teams…

  • Matt says:

    > If FSG are all about potential and sell-on value
    >
    Yeah. Like replacing Carroll (23 yo) with Dempsey (29 yo). I really hate the silly season. Most of the rumours don’t make any sense.

    Dirk and Maxi have left. Great players but aging and making big £. Nevertheless, they have to be replaced. I’m not saying we should go for Messi & co but it would be nice to see some ambition. The players we’ve been linked this far haven’t been too exciting. We finished mid-table and might be scrapping for the same positions this season.

    I don’t agree 100 percent with everything you write but we really really still are toooo slow in the transfer market.

    • Mark #ynwa says:

      There will be exceptions, and with a North American tour having just been embarked upon, what greater “commercial signing” can beat a USA international…and a half decent player to boot.

      Not my cup of tea, but I understand the logic…

  • Ian says:

    The club will never be at the dizzy heights of the past again. There are another bunch of cowbys in charge and I suppose if we went into administration, owners with more ambition getting a football club on the cheap. They might have been deducted 9 points, but I suppose it would have been a small price to pay if the future was to look brighter. Before anybody shoots me down over the administration, I am seeing this as what could have happened because it is not like they are challenging for the champions league never mond the title. Until these owners have been disposed of the club will never do another thing.

  • Deaththekid says:

    Thats so very true…We are too freakin slow in the transfer market. This have been going on like that for years and I`m sick of it. Anyone having watched liverpool for the past 2-3 seasons must have noticed that the team is bathing in mediocrity and that year after year the overall quality of the squad is deteriorating with star players leaving and average ones coming in as replacement. To stop the rust, there is only one solution: Sell all the cr#p and buy quality players only…But what is brendan rodgers doing instead??? He is assessing the players and giving them a chance to prove themselves instead of kicking all those underperformers out and replacing them with better players. Sh*t will remain sh*t, no matter how much time you give them to prove themselves. We dont have time for this. We are falling down the premier league table every season. We need to galvanize this team with quality signings and fast otherwise we are going to fight against relegation in a few years if this continues. Please Brendan, do all of us a favour and sign 5-6 quality players before the window closes.

  • Vincent says:

    I total agree with you.We are very very slow.We wait till the last day and buy average players at very expensive prices.

  • Chris says:

    Why are we being linked with crap like Dempsey ? I’m sick of buying boring players. We ain’t had a decent winger since Mcmanaman ! Why get BR in to play spanish football with poor English players, wen you could give him some money to buy some friggin spanish players !!! Tbh I’d be slow in the Market if ALL the club can attract is clint Fu**ing Dempsey.

  • sleeps with angels says:

    we aint got the money kids! the american owners aint got a pot to piss in.

    • Mark #ynwa says:

      Financial Fair Play…..sustainability

      High earners.
      No CL Football.
      8th last season to lower than expected prize fund.

      If you don’t know what the FFP rules are, and how it affects the club moving forward I suggest you go and read up…perhaps it may change your view, even if just slightly, then that’s a positive…

Comments are closed.