Fans of Liverpool will be eager to see what new faces turn up at Anfield in the summer as the club aim to make some new signings in the transfer market for the club to continue its transformation and rebuilding process. But whilst players like Charlie Adam of Blackpool are being linked to a move to Anfield in a big money transfer, there could be a cheaper option for boss Kenny Dalglish and the Liverpool board if they want it.
Midfielder Alberto Aquilani, currently on loan at Serie A club Juventus, is set to return to Liverpool in the summer, although many expect that trip to see him collecting the rest of his belongings as he moves back to Italy for good. But the midfielder has said he hasn’t ruled out a possible return to playing in the Premier League if Juventus or another club do not come in for him.
Whilst Blackpool manager Ian Holloway seems to want over £10 million for Charlie Adam, could keeping Aquilani on the books at Anfield be a more viable option? Quite possibly, despite his unfortunate start at Anfield with injuries, the Italian made 26 appearances in his debut season although rarely completed a full game.
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Whilst on loan at Juventus this season he’s got 2 goals in 22 appearances in Serie A, but the club may struggle to match the transfer fee that was agreed to be completed after the year loan. With Liverpool extending the contract of midfielder Lucas Leiva recently there could also be an option to keep Aquilani as long as his fitness has improved.
The Italian could also move to former club Roma if Juve fail to sign him on a permanent contract or will Liverpool welcome him back? He could be an excellent playmaker in the middle for the likes of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez to feed off from, although Reds fans will question his fitness.
After all, despite the player coming back from a loan deal, we can’t forget that he cost the club £17 million in the summer of 2009 under Rafa Benitez. Towards the end of that debut season he did put in some impressive performances in the midfield for Liverpool and perhaps Dalglish may want to take a gamble on the player whilst using the transfer budget for other positions like a top Left-Back.
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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Keep him, quality player spend the budget on a couple of good wide players and a backup striker
Coundlt agree more
He’s better than Charlie Adam if you ask me. Ideally however, I’d sell Aquilani to the highest bidder (if there are any) and buy Keisuke Honda. Brilliant and versatile midfielder.
Dear Alberto (and Kenny if you are listening)
Alberto – I just want to say a few words as a Reds supporter down under in Australia… I have never had as much pleasure as a Liverpool supporter as I have had seeing you do your thing in the EPL late last season. The things you created, the goals you helped make and the pure football creativity that makes me love this beautiful game. I just want to see more…
I remember the overhead kick that hit the cross bar and the through balls for Stevie. Don’t you want more of that? I could talk about many other moments of glorious creativity, but I am sure you remember them more than I do.
There have been few of your countrymen that have brought this technical beauty to the English game. Can it be you who showcases Italian class in the most intense league in the world?
People doubt your ability to cope with this league, but I can tell you that I am not one of them.
You know what you are capable of and really, you have not been given the chance in this league that you deserve. All I can hope for is that you and Kenny get your heads together and plan a way of destroying the scum that are dominating our league right now?
Come back to us, we paid 20 million for you as an injured player for a reason – and that reason was the sublime skill and trickery that you bring to the game. Imagine playing in behind the new English behemoth and Uruguay’s greatest talent in the last 20 years! If that doesn’t excite you, nothing will. The time wasn’t right last season, but now the time is right!
Life is a movie and it’s up to you what movie it is that you make – for me, I think it can be a best seller.
All my love,
Mark Thigster (Fanatical Reds Supporter in Australia)