The only official move regarding our Club so far has been the departure of Andrea Dossena to AC Napoli, with the Italian completing his medical today. From various sources, it seems more than likely that Andrei Voronin will leave the Reds bound for the Russian league, and that Maxi Rodriguez will come to enhance the quality within our ranks in what would be (from what we are hearing) one of the bargains of the decade for LFC.
It is being said that the Argentinean will be bought outright for a modest Stg 1.5 millions, while reports claim that Dossena parted company with the Reds for Stg 4 million. It is also believed that Voronin will be sold off for Stg 2 million. So for the time being the transfer window seems to be positive both technically and financially.
While the Reds seem to remain on the prowl for a natural striker to partner or replace Torres, the initial rumours regarding van Nistelrooy, Heskey and Carew have all faded away, with the latter declaring he wants to stay at Villa Park. There is also the possibility that with the arrival of Maxi Rodriguez, Dirk Kuyt will be moved from what has practically become a wide right role to that of a second striker with Torres, or to replace him when the Spanish phenomena is not available.
A story that is creating some confusion regards Ryan Babel. Before the transfer window it seemed almost a done and dusted that the 23 year-old Dutchman would leave the Reds. Birmingham City apparently tabled and offer of Stg 9 million which has been rejected by the Club! Rafa has now said that Babel still forms part of his plans. This could mean one of two things: either Rafa is playing mind-games to up the ante and get more dosh for the player, or else he has changed his mind altogether after seeing the departure of Dossena, and imminent departure of Voronin, and that so far the transfer window has been favorable money-wise. We just have to wait and see!
There is still another player that has not made the cut at Anfield and which now seems surplus to requirements. Philippe Degen has fallen down the pecking order with Glen Johnson, Martin Kelly and Stephen Darby all capable of covering the right fullback position. The player will certainly want playing time to make the Swiss World Cup squad and it is highly unlikely he will get much of that at Anfield.
Watch this space!
Degen should be able to play more now Johnson etc injured. Oh, and I think the amount we got for the Dossenna deal was on the LFC.tv website, no need for rumour and speculation.
Degen ain’t that bad imo, and it’s unfair to say he hasn’t made the cut when he kept getting injured. What I did see was ok, but yeah, with Johnson and Kelly looking a great prospect then it’s probably good to move him on for a profit.
As for Babel, if Birmingham bid 10m then I think we should bite their hands off. Or keep him and put Kuyt on the market.
Kuyt has a terrible first touch so not sure he should partner Torres should we go back to a traditional 4-4-2. Ngog is showing he is more than capable and Pacheho is looking like another great young prospect we should give opportunites to.
My view is that Rafa nows sees Kelly and Darby as the natural subs for Johnson. The Swiss international is injury prone and I agree that this may have had a contributing factor to him ‘not making the cut’! :-)
Personally, I would have sold Babel if a firm offer for 9 million was made.
I also agree that Kuyt has a dubious first touch, and also that the dutchman may be out of form this season. Whatever the case, he seems two/three notches down from last season. Ade, you mentioned Ngog (striker), Pacheco (second striker). Let us not forget Nemeth out on loan.
I have heard that rafa will not be allowed to use the money from any sales until the summer so he sees it as pointless selling babel and weakening the squad. So he will now give babel until then to impress. I think maxi could be a top signing and a great bargain. Hopefully the addition of maxi and riera getting back to fitness, along with improved fitness for gerrard and torres will be the boost we need to push on.