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The Tuesday Transfer Column – Who is Leaving Liverpool?

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As Kenny Dalglish sets about the task of revamping his Liverpool squad for next season, a lot of media speculation has been focused on identifying the signings which Liverpool are pursuing in the current transfer window. It has been a big week for signings, as Stewart Downing and Alexandre Doni joined Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson in the new-look Liverpool squad. But how is the task of selling players going?

Which stars which will be leaving Anfield before the window shuts on September 1st? Where are their most likely destinations?

Under the stewardship of new owners FSG (Fenway Sports Group) and the management of Kenny Dalglish – a return to ‘the Liverpool Way’ at Anfield has made it is increasingly difficult to assess which transfer rumours and speculation hold any real merit. The club now conducts its business behind closed doors, which whilst being the prudent and sensible way to run a club, makes it rather dull for the fanatical Liverpool fan, who trawls the internet for any hint or clue of activity at the club.

Despite the veil of secrecy shrouding transfer activity at Anfield, many fans recognise that there are players who for various reasons, Dalglish would like to have removed from the wage-bill at Anfield this summer. As well as the bonus of removing any ‘dead-wood’, any sales would also carry an added benefit in that they would boost Dalglish’s summer transfer kitty as he aims to freshen up his squad with new signings.

In this, the fifth instalment of ‘The Tuesday Transfer Column‘ – I look in detail at the speculation over the last week in the transfer market. Trawling through scores (or hundreds) of articles so you don’t have to, in order to bring you this segment every Tuesday on Live4Liverpool. So without further delay, here’s the latest.

Paul Konchesky – The left back has ended a disappointing spell on Merseyside by joining Sven Goran Eriksson’s Leicester City for an undisclosed fee, which is believed to be in the region of £1.5m according to The Telegraph (12/07/11). Konchesky endured a nightmare 12 month stay at Anfield.

Ill advised comments from his mother which branded Liverpool fans as “Scouse scum” did not exactly endear Konchesky to the fans upon his arrival, but although his performances were roundly criticised by the fans he must be commended for always giving 100% when selected for the side. That he was signed was no fault of his own, and the damaging comments were not his. Good luck to Konchesky in the future. He held his head high and leaves with dignity.

Gerardo Bruna – As reported last week, Blackpool have been tracking the left-footed midfield schemer. Originally expected to be a loan deal, The Blackpool Gazette (14/07/11) revealed it’s belief that the move may actually be a permanent transfer.

The transfer of Bruna is now official. He has signed a two year deal with Blackpool, with an option of an additional year according to SkySports (18/07/11). A fee of approximately 750k has been paid to Liverpool. The best of luck to him.

Tom Ince – Linked with a move to Blackpool alongside Bruna. It remains to be seen whether on loan or on a permanent basis. According to SkySports, Blackpool chairman Karl Oysten was showing an interest last week, stating to the Blackpool Gazette:

“I am hoping for a call back on both of them today, but it is done when the ink is dry on the contract and not before”

Fulham are also said to be interested in a move for the young left winger, reports Sportsnewsireland.com (13/07/11).

Alberto Aquilani The Daily Post (12/07/11) reports that Aquilani will not be leaving for Fiorentina. This re-iterates comments made last week by the Italian midfielder’s agent – Franco Zavaglia, who stated that Aquilani sees his future at Liverpool next season. This was discussed in last weeks TTC.

This has not stopped Fiorentina manager Sinisa Mihajlovic from dropping more than subtle hints about his opinions on the matter. According to Givemefootball.com (15/07/11) he commented:

“I would like to play the 4-3-1-2 system, but that means we’d need an Aquilani-style player”.

Since then, suggested moves to either AC Milan or Sunderland have been rejected as speculation by Zavaglia – SkySports (16/07/11).

Football Italiano (16/07/11) reports however that the Fiorentina move is very much alive, although Inside Futbol (18/07/11) quotes Zavaglia as saying that any loan move would be “Impractical”. An impressive performance by Aquilani against a Malaysian XI may have alerted Dalglish to the Italian’s undoubted ability on the ball. He may yet have a role to play.

Milan Jovanovic – The Serbian’s search for a new club is still ongoing. Interest is high and Jovanovic has attracted offers from Olympiakos, Anderlecht and Lille reports The Guardian (12/07/11).

According to Goal.com (13/07/11) Jovanovic, or rather, his wife – is being drawn towards a move to Belgium. The player told Foot Magazine:

“My wife adores Brussels and is pushing me to return to Belgium where I only have on offer. I am still buzzing after my meeting with Anderlecht in Qatar.” He continued: “I was moved by the importance given to me by the Belgian sporting press over the past week. And that makes me think because Belgium is my second country!”

His agent was rather more decisive, telling the magazine: “The transfer of Jovanovic to Anderlecht is 99 per cent complete.”

Raul Meireles – Speculation linking Meireles with moves to either Inter Milan or Juventus seem to have dried up somewhat following the Portuguese midfielders’ claim to journalists whilst on the Asian Tour that “of course” he will be staying at Liverpool – according to SkySports (12/07/11). Whether Meireles has cleared up his contractual dispute with Liverpool’s owners remains to be seen however. As such, expect speculation to continue until more definitive comments are made.

Joe Cole – Speculation linking Cole with a move to Hamburg, as reported in last weeks TTC seems to have faded. Steve Clarke this week stated that Cole may have a future at Anfield. As with Meireles, Cole’s future is as of yet unclear. Should a bid be made for either Cole or Meireles, it will more than likely be seriously considered due to the overstocked midfield at Dalglish‘s disposal.

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3 comments

  • Ken Coleman says:

    Great piece Barry. The owners have been great so far but now it seems we need to be a bit more creative in our dealings. The big savings is normally on the wages eg. Torres left, we got a fantastic price, saved on his wages and managed to buy in two brilliant players who, if im not mistaken are on less money combined than Torres alone.

    Keep up the good work

    • Liverpool4eva says:

      we sold torres and got 1 brilliant player and now we got another brilliant player in downing. Gerrard, Carra, Agger, Dirk, Raul, Suarez, Downing, Aquaman, Reina and Kelly will be flying high.

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