The Tuesday Transfer Column - Who’s leaving the Reds?

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. Less media attention has been devoted the potential outgoings at Liverpool.

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 Anfield in regard to incoming and outgoing players – many fans recognise that there are players at Anfield 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.

So which stars which will be leaving Anfield before the window shuts on September 1st? Where are their most likely destinations? In this third edition of the Tuesday Transfer Column (TTC), we look at the speculation over the last week in the transfer market. Trawling through scores of articles so you don’t have to, I will aim to bring you this segment every Tuesday on Live4Liverpool.

Sammy Lee – The week got off to a start with the news that Sammy Lee had parted ways with Liverpool. Whilst not a player, such is Lee’s stature at the club that he deserves a big mention. The news of Lee’s departure was widely reported online on various sites such as OurKop (29/06/11) before a statement on LFC.tv (30/06/11) made the news official. Manager Kenny Dalglish stating:

“We’d like to place on record our thanks for all of Sammy’s hard work over the years and the contribution he has made to Liverpool. He has always been a credit to the Football Club and a credit to himself. Everyone at Liverpool FC wishes him all the best in his future career.”

The delay before the club statement led to speculation over whether Lee had been pushed out or had walked out. It appears that the reason for his leaving may have been a bit of both. Whilst the decision was apparently by ‘mutual agreement’ , the real reasons for the split seem obviously apparent.

As reported in last weeks TTC (28/06/11) Steve Clarke recently turned down the opportunity to return to Chelsea as assistant manager in order to remain as first team coach at Liverpool.

Since that report, It appears that Clarke’s loyalty has been rewarded with an offer of a promotion to the role of Assistant Manager, apparently at Lee’s expense (The Guardian 29/06/11).

Whilst the details of the discussions between Lee and LFC have not been disclosed, as is the Liverpool way, it is plausible (or obvious) to surmise that Lee was to be moved aside, or offered another role at the club in order to make room for a new assistant manager. The timing of Lee’s departure so soon after the news that Chelsea’s interest in Clarke had been fended off suggests that Lee was perhaps being moved aside in order to facilitate Clarke’s promotion. In this case – promotion to assistant manager must surely have been an incentive offered to Clarke in order to entice him to stay.

If another role was offered to Lee, and he rejected the offer – it is also plausible to deduce that Lee saw whatever new role he was offered as a demotion, and as a result decided to part ways with LFC.

If Lee was not offered another role however, then the split was not at all by ‘mutual agreement’. Rather, such events would constitute an entirely one-sided push out the door.

If this was what happened, then a ‘mutual split’ between Lee and LFC equates to the well established tactic of ‘walking before being pushed’ – an age old tactic designed to save face – for both the club, who would not want to publicly sack such a loyal servant – and also for Lee, who can walk away from the club with his head held high.

Lee made a typically dignified statement on the matter to LFC.tv (30/06/11)

“I returned to the Club in 2008 and I’m proud of the contribution I’ve been able to make since then. I want to wish Kenny, the players and the supporters all the best going forward.”

Lee has devoted much of his life to LFC and this author would like to wish the little man with the big voice all the best in his future endeavours. It’ll be a quieter pre-season at Melwood this year! He will certainly never walk alone.

Expect Steve Clarke to be appointed as the new assistant manager within days.

Jonjo Shelvey – Speculation that Shelvey may be used as a make weight in the Charlie Adam deal (TTC 28/06/11) has continued throughout the past week, featuring in many football betting tips and being widely reported on many sites. Such a move could represent a win-win situation for LFC, who would gain a player whilst helping young England U21 star Shelvey to develop his game by playing regularly for a quality Championship outfit which plays attractive passing football. VitalBlackpool claim however (30/06/11) that Shelvey will not be included in any deal as Kenny Dalglish sees him as an important squad player for next season.

Stephen Darby – Also mentioned as a part of any deal for Adam. Competition at right-back is stiff. With Glen Johnson, Martin Kelly and John Flanagan seemingly ahead of Darby in the pecking order at Anfield, a move to Blackpool on loan has been suggested. A permanent move as part of the exchange could be possible for the 22 year old, who spent most of last season at loan at Notts County.

Danny Wilson – The latest reports on the Adam saga now suggest that 19 year old Scottish International Danny Wilson is wanted as another loan option for Blackpool (Liverpool Echo 30-06-11). Championship sides are permitted to sign four players on season long loans per season. The capture of all three would represent quite a coup for Ian Holloway as he tries to rebuild his side for another shot at promotion.

David Ngog – Sunderland’s interest in the French striker has cooled following the signing of Connor Wickham from Ipswich Town and the arrival of South Korean striker Ji Dong-won from Chunnam Dragons (Sunderland Echo 30/06/11).

As reported in last weeks TTC, Ngog’s wage demands were already proving a stumbling block to any agreement. The addition of two more strikers to the Sunderland squad appears to have killed off the deal. Ngog’s desire to hold on a decision to join Sunderland may have backfired. It remains to be seen if there is further interest in the young Frenchman.

Raul Meireles – Sportsvibe (02-07-11) report that Inter Milan and Juventus are still interested in the Portuguese midfielder. Apart from this news, there is little new to report on Meireles.