A Pivotal Week for the future of Liverpool FC
As we enter the final week of the transfer window, much anticipation and importance is being placed on the actions concerning the arrival of new players at the club. Ask any Liverpool supporter and you will be given at least two or three positions in which new additions are needed, and Kenny Dalglish perhaps more than any other manager will consider the fans' wishes.
Primarily, and publicly admitted by an otherwise coy Dalglish, Fernando Torres is in desperate need of a strike partner, and a new forward is the top priority for the manager. Whilst David Ngog is a good prospect and does add something to the team, he is nowhere near the level of Torres and cannot be used as a first team player every week.
It appears that Dalglish is desperate to land the signing of Luis Suarez. With a tally of 35 league goals in 33 appearances last season, 49 in total, and an impressive total of 81 goals in 108 appearances in his time so far at Ajax, as well as a World Cup that made Europe sit up and notice, it is easy to see why. Whilst talks appear to be in progress there seems to be a long way to go, with Liverpool unwilling to reach the £25 million asking price, instead believing that £18 million is a more realistic figure. Ryan Babel had been talked about as being used as a makeweight in the deal, but the statement that he is staying at Liverpool delivered today by Dalglish suggests that is no longer an option.
Despite the goalscoring statistcs there are a couple of negative points that need to be considered. Firstly, Suarez scored these goals in the dutch league. Before Liverpool signed Dirk Kuyt he was a prolific goalscorer in Holland. Now in England he is not even considered as a striker. A repeat transition would be devastating for the club.
Furthermore, Suarez was recently given a seven match ban for biting an opponent. Liverpool have always been a club recognised for it's good characters and regardless of ability it is not right to destroy this reputation. You just have to remember Ronaldo at Man United and how much of a hated club they became in his time there. Perhaps this was a freak incident and Suarez is in fact a hard working down to earth team player, but the situation must be approached with caution.
One thing is for sure, if the signing does not go through within the next few days it will not go through in this window, as Ajax have vowed that they will only sell him if they are given enough time to acquire a replacement.
The other name much talked about in the last few days is that of Charlie Adam. Whilst his signing is not needed as much as that of a striker, he would undoubtedly add something to the midfield. As much as people say that he only excels as the superstar at a small team, his passing ability and footballing brain are clear for all to see.
It would be ridiculous to compare Adam with a certain Spaniard named Xabi, but since Alonso's departure Liverpool have sorely missed a playmaker who can play quick, accurate defence-splitting passes. According to Ian Holloway, Liverpool have already made an offer in the region of £4 million, which was quickly dismissed with the suggestion that £14 million would be more appropriate.
Anything in double digits would perhaps be considered too much from a red perspective, but with the player apparently desperate to join Liverpool a compromise of around £7 million may be able to be reached.
The acquisition of these two players would be a huge boost for the club and perhaps help Liverpool salvage what is left in a so far embarassing season.
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