After Masch’s Sale, How About One Of These Left Backs?

I must admit that looking at some of the left backs being linked with Liverpool in recent weeks, it hasn’t filled me with a great deal of excitement or anticipation but the facts were that there was a limited amount of money to spend. With Javier Mascherano now asking to leave, I would hope that the Reds hold out for the £30million that he is worth. If such a sale does go through, it should free up some money, not only to spend on the Argentine’s replacement but also on a player who could really do a job for us at left back. Rather than perhaps looking at a Figueroa, Konchesky or Ziegler as first choice, we could afford to look beyond them to these players.

Fabio Coentrao – May still yet be out of our price range as Benfica may demand an outrageous fee for the full back, but his World Cup and his excellent form for the Portuguese club should definitely make him a prime target if there is money in place. Originally starting out as a left winger, Coentrao struggled to get into the Benfica team after transferring from Rio Ave in 2007. In the last few seasons he has had loan spells at Nacional, Real Zaragoza and back to Rio Ave, but last campaign he had a superb breakthrough season, reverting to a left full back position as Jorge Jesus’s side lifted the Portuguese league title. At international level, he has also been a very effective full back, and became Carlos Queiroz’s first choice for Portugal at this summer’s World Cup. He impressed in all the matches he played, and it has led to speculation of a move away from Portugal for the 22 year old.

Taye Taiwo – The Nigerian full back has been linked with Liverpool for a long time now, and the freeing up of funds from Mascherano’s sale would surely make a move for the 25 year old much easier. Rumoured to have fallen out with Marseille coach Didier Deschamps after demanding a move away from the French club this summer, Taiwo’s contract ends next summer and the size of the fee could be markedly reduced due to there being only one year left on his contract. The only slight concern about a move for Taiwo would be his form. He lost his place in the Marseille team at the end of last season as Gabriel Heinze took his place in the side. He also lost his place at international level during the African Cup of Nations after a poor display in the opening match defeat to Egypt, although he returned as first choice for this summer’s World Cup.

Danijel Pranjic – Bayern Munich’s Croatian winger struggled to get into the German side’s first team this season. The 28 year old can play either on the left wing or at left back but he lost his place in the Bayern team to youngster Holger Badstuber. Still, he is a proven international and over the last year he has expressed it would be a “dream” to play for Liverpool. A cheaper alternative, and probably a more reliable choice would be Carlos Salcido. The 30 year old Mexico international is available for transfer at his club PSV Eindhoven, and could be available for as little as £3m, after a falling out with coach Fred Rutten.

Going into next season with Coentrao and Salcido or Taiwo and Salcido as our left back choices, I would be far more confident of Liverpool having a successful campaign next season.

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