A Signing that the Reds could do without?

Rumours that Liverpool are set to sign Newcastle United left-back Jose Enrique in the summer are in abundance, but with the likes of Glen Johnson performing impressively on the left side of the defence, would it be money wasted by the Reds?

There is no doubt that the left-back position has been a problem for Liverpool this season, with summer signing Paul Konchesky not making an impression and being loaned to Nottingham Forest in January. But with Konchesky returning from his loan move and the possibility of Emiliano Insua returning from Galatasaray, if the Turkish club don’t want to sign the player, could Liverpool spend on players elsewhere?

The purchase of Jose Enrique would be a decent signing, the former Valencia player had a great season for the Toon Army last season in their promotion campaign and has continued his form in the Premier League. He also provided a number of assists for Andy Carroll whilst on Tyneside, but he’s set to cost the Reds between £8-10 million.

Glen Johnson’s early season form at right back was questionable but since his switch to left-back by Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish, could the England player make that position his own for next season? With Martin Kelly also impressing on the right hand side, it could leave the likes of a new signing like Enrique on the bench.

However, with injuries of late to Kelly and Johnson, it’s clear that the Liverpool team needs more strength in depth, which shows that signing a natural left-back who’s competent enough to make the first team is needed. Plus, let’s assume that the likes of Konchesky and Insua are set to be sold come the summer.

Whilst Johnson has showed his versatility, it could allow Kenny to rotate players over the busy season next year, plus let’s not forget that Martin Kelly is naturally a centre-back and it’s been said that he’ll return to his natural position eventually.

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Also, let’s not forget Danny Wilson, the young defender signed from Glasgow Rangers who can play left-back or centre half and is also an option for that position next season and could allow Johnson to take right-back position once again.

Whilst one argument suggests that Liverpool can do without signing Enrique, there’s another argument that he would actually save the club money if other transfer targets, like Everton’s Leighton Baines and Benfica’s Fabio Coentrao, are to be believed.

Both full-backs have quality that Reds fans will want to see at Anfield next season but whilst Enrique, who’s close to the end of his contract at Newcastle, is valued under £10 million, the likes of Baines and Coentrao will cost a lot more.

Perhaps, Liverpool could be better off going for the Newcastle defender and spending the money saved on Enrique’s team-mate, Jonas Gutierrez; the skilfull winger would add depth in a Liverpool attack for next season, plus the pair would probably cost the same as Baines or Coentrao would go for.

However, the likes of Bayern Munich and AC Milan are just two other clubs that are interested in the Newcastle full back and Liverpool may have a fight on their hands to sign the player if they decide he’s the right man for their left back vacancy.

The article was written by Matt G-Freebody for FootballFancast.com. Make sure to check out the latest news, blogs and podcasts at FFC – ed.

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