Rafa Must Head for Bargain Bin in January

Much has been made in the media of the upcoming transfer window. Whilst Premier League clubs don’t tend to spend as much in the January window as in the summer transfer period a host of slip-ups from all of the ‘big four’ has forced the managers of the top clubs in the league to look to the markets to find a player or two to give them the edge going into the final straight.

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti looks likely to break his promise about fluttering some of the millions he has at his disposal, seemingly the lifting of Chelsea’s transfer ban has tempted the Italian to look at host of potential record-signings for Chelsea, including French winger Frank Ribery and young Athletico Madrid forward Sergio Aguero, who may also attract attention from Sir Alex Ferguson as he looks to add a young spark to his ageing midfield at Old Trafford. Even Arsene Wenger may be tempted to spend big in the January transfer window. A host of injuries to forward players at Arsenal may mean the London club need to look for a new striker in the window to ensure they can secure a Champions League position and stay in contention for the league title.

Outside of the big four newly appointed City boss Roberto Mancini will likely have a hefty transfer budget at his disposal in order to turn the season around at Eastlands and get the club into the Champions League next season, the aim of the new owners from Abu Dhabi.

Whilst the two Manchester Clubs may be battling with eachother and Chelsea for big signings in January down the East Lancs’ road Merseyside will likely remain quiet over the January transfer window, at least the red half of the city. Continuing financial troubles are going to force under-pressure manager Rafael Benitez to go searching through the bargain bin of players yet again. Has beens such as Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Emile Heskey and unproven players like Victor Moses have all been linked with the club, all for a low price. It might even be a stretch to suggest that the Kop boss can spend any money at the start of the year, current financial restrictions may force Rafa to look for loan targets or free transfers, a million miles from how much other top clubs in the league are likely to spend on world-class players.

So, who can Liverpool get and what do we need? I’m not going to name players, there’s simply no knowing exactly how much will be available to spend and for that reason it’s impossible to name names. I’d like to see a decent back-up for Fernando Torres, a proven goalscorer in the league who’s consistent enough to cover for the injury-prone Spaniard. Does it matter if they’re a little bit older? Not really, as long as they know how to find the back of the net it’s not really a major concern. A left-winger wouldn’t be a bad bet either. Whilst Albert Riera is a good player when on form his consistency is questionable and at the moment what we need more than anything is consistent performers. Ryan Babel looks likely to leave at some point soon, if not now then in the summer. Good riddance I say, he’s never shown his true potential and doesn’t look like he cares. Two players, I’d think, would be about our limit in January, unless we sell a considerable amount of players to buy. When we’re lacking in strength-in-depth selling lots of squad players is never a good idea.

Many of our fans have looked towards the upcoming transfer window as our saving grace this season, I’d put money on it having little or no impact on the rest of our league campaign. A lack of funds will restrict Rafa to hitting the footballing version of the January sales, whilst all those around him are out spending millions on the best in the world.

If you ever wanted a reason for why we are falling behind, this is it.

M. Owen
Michael@empireofthekop.com