Visit this page to keep up to date with all the transfer dealings during what is destined to be a busy summer for Dalglish and co.
In: Liverpool have completed the signing of 20-year old English midfielder Jordan Henderson from Sunderland for a fee rumoured to be around £16 million. Despite competition from bitter rivals Manchester United the Reds managed to capture the versatile youngster, with Henderson putting pen to paper on a long-term contract after passing a medical at Melwood.
Henderson faces fierce competition from the likes of Lucas, Meireles and Gerrard for a place in the centre of midfield, however both Damien Comolli and Kenny Dalglish have assured him that he will instantly be part of the legendary Scot's first team plans. Moreover, Henderson can play on the right wing and in the centre, increasing his chances of securing first team football.
Although news of a big transfer so early in the summer transfer window is incredibly encouraging, this may prove to be detrimental to the development of Jay Spearing, who only recently broke into the first team. With a big money signing ahead of him in the pecking order Spearing may find it difficult to feature next season. Meanwhile, Damien Comolli has revealed that young French striker David Ngog is in talks with Henderson's former club Sunderland about a move to the North East. (9th June)
Following six frustrating months of painstaking negotiation with Blackpool, Charlie Adam has finalised a move to Anfield after the Merseysiders agreed a fee of around £8 million with the stubborn Seasiders. The much-coveted midfielder attracted interest from many top sides after an impressive debut season in the Premier League, in which the Scottish international netted a dozen times for the Tangerines.
25-year old Adam has been compared with fans' favourite Xabi Alonso due to his supreme passing ability, particularly with his highly-skilled left foot. Throughout last season Adam regularly impressed spectators with his simply stunning passing range and unrivalled ability to spot a pass. Since Alonso's controversial departure in 2009 the Reds have been crying out for someone to replace the mercurial Spaniard and, consequently, the arrival of Adam has been welcomed in many quarters.
However, the £8 million fee paid is excessive considering Adam only had a year left on his contract at Blackpool and, although a higher fee is understandable due to the number of clubs interested in signing him driving up the price, that money could have been spent more wisely in improving other areas of the side. Meireles, Lucas and Spearing all played outstandingly last season and Steven Gerrard remains one of the best midfielders in the world so to spend a combined total of £24 million on Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam seems unwise to me.
Nevertheless, if they both fulfil their potential and money is still available to invest in other areas of the squad then the transfers should be seen as successes, helping to provide added squad depth and increased competition in the middle of the park. (8th July)
31-year old keeper Alexander Doni has joined on a free transfer from Italian giants AS Roma, becoming the fifth Brazilian to sign for Liverpool. Doni completed 179 appearances in six seasons at Roma, however he is unlikely to feature as often on Merseyside, where he'll provide back up and competition for Spaniard Pepe Reina, who has firmly established his position as first choice keeper after six sensational seasons in the Liverpool goal.
With Pepe Reina still out injured following a double hernia operation in June, Doni may be able to secure a few appearances at the beginning of the season, although he will struggle to replace the formidable Reina in the long term. The capture of Doni ensures back up for Reina next season and, crucially, also allows youngsters Peter Gulasci and Martin Hansen to go out on loan to gain more first team experience and develop as players in a competitive environment, as opposed to in the below-par reserve team system.
However, this signing is bad news for Brad Jones who, despite only arriving at Anfield last summer, appears destined to leave Liverpool this summer after failing to impress new manager Kenny Dalglish, who quickly sent Jones out on loan to Derby County upon his appointment in January. (15th July)
Stewart Downing became the Reds' fourth major signing of the summer today after completing a move from Aston Villa for a reported fee of £20 million. The 26-year-old put pen to paper on a long term contract after successfully passing a medical at Melwood.
Downing is a seasoned Premier League player and has been a regular in the England squad since making his international debut in 2005. Despite this, supporters remain split over the winger, with some doubting his ability and many, including myself, bemused by the evidently excessive transfer fee.
However, Downing is an exciting prospect who could possibly solve our persistent problem of lacking a quality left winger. In recent years the Reds have wasted millions of pounds on players such as Albert Riera, Ryan Babel and Harry Kewell, with them all promising much but delivering very little. In the form of Downing, Liverpool have signed a quick, efficient and enthusiastic winger, who can play on both the left and right as well as deliver pinpoint crosses, which should bring out the best in Andy Carroll and finally give our play some natural width.
Although Downing isn't highly esteemed by many, his impressive statistics speak for themselves, and prove his worth. Over the past three seasons Downing has completed 135 crosses in open play, more than any other player in the Premier League. He has also remained reliably fit, missing only three and a half matches a season on average over the last five campaigns.
Moreover, the Boro born winger has a conscientious and positive attitude that focuses on the team, which should continue to develop the team spirit and work ethic encouraged and nurtured under Kenny Dalglish. Unlike other possible transfer target Charles N'Zogbia, who could possibly join Downing's former team Aston Villa, he stays out of trouble and concentrates on football, a mentality that will be welcomed on Merseyside.
Undoubtedly the fee is ridiculously inflated, however it seems that that is the going rate for top English talent this summer. More importantly, he possesses the potential, the promise and the skill to justify that price tag through numerous assists and goals over several seasons at Anfield. (15th July)
Liverpool have completed the signing of Spanish left back Jose Enrique from Newcastle United for a reported fee of £6 million. With Fabio Aurelio injury prone, Emiliano Insua out of favour with Kenny Dalglish and 17-year old Jack Robinson too young to sustain a regular place in the first team, the Reds really needed a quality left back to shore up a shaky defence, which has conceded copiously in pre-season.
Thankfully, Enrique appears to be the ideal candidate to become our first choice left back. At 25 years old he still has enough time to fulfil his considerable potential at Anfield. He is quick, tall and attack-minded, providing an additional threat on the left wing and promising to develop an exciting connection with fellow new arrival Stewart Downing.
Moreover, his four years in England with Newcastle mean that he does not have to adapt to a new country or style of football, which can prevent some foreign signings from quickly performing to their potential. The new number 3 should settle swiftly on Merseyside, with former team mate Andy Carroll providing the Spaniard with a familiar friend in the dressing room and enabling his transfer to go as smoothly off the field as on. (11th August)
Highly rated Uruguayan international defender Sebastian Coates has arrived from Nacional for a reported fee of £7 million which, if he fulfills his much-vaunted potential, is a bargain. Following the departure of Sotirios Kyrgiakos and Daniel Ayala to Wolfsburg and Norwich City respectively, another central defender was needed and Coates comes in to challenge Agger, Skrtel and Carragher for a place in the Reds' back four.
Standing at an impressive 6 foot and 6 inches, Coates poses a threat offensively and provides protection defensively in the air. His formidable physical presence should see him settle into the bruising nature of the Premier League swiftly, while international teammate Luis Suarez will help him to adapt to life in England.
The 20-year old old was crowned the young player of the tournament as he helped Uruguay to triumph in the Copa America this summer and is seen as a possible future captain of his national side. After signing a long-term contract at Anfield, Coates has the time to fulfill his potential and could prove an invaluable investment both this season and in the long-term. (30th August)
Liverpool have completed the capture of young American starlet Villyan Bijev from California Odyssey. The under-18 striker has not obtained a work permit so has immediately been loaned out to German outfit Fortuna Dusseldorf. (31st August)
Welsh striker Craig Bellamy has completed a move back to Anfield on a free transfer from Manchester City. The 32-year old has put pen to paper on a two-year deal and will wear the number 39 shirt. Bellamy previously played for the Merseysiders in 2006, staying for just one season before joining London outfit West Ham. After moving to Manchester City two years ago, he spent last season on loan at hometown club Cardiff City following a bust up with manager Roberto Mancini.
Although undoubtedly talented and possessing the ability to burst into life and excitingly swing games in his team's favour, Bellamy is a divisive character and does not have the right attitude and team mentality to fit into Kenny Dalglish's squad. I hope he proves me wrong, but I disapprove of Bellamy's signing due to his age and his previous record of causing conflict and unrest in dressing rooms. (31st August)
Out: Youngsters Deale Chamberlain, Steven Irwin, Alex Cooper and Nikola Saric have been released after their contracts ran out. None of them appeared likely to make any sort of an impact on the first team. (16th June)
Stephen Darby has joined League One side Rochdale on a season long loan. The 22-year old right back was unlikely to feature in the first team due to competition from fellow youngsters Martin Kelly and John Flanagan, as well as Glen Johnson, who signed a contract extension yesterday. It seems Darby will never quite make it at Anfield, and may look to seal a permanent move away after this loan spell expires. (7th July)
Liverpool have finalised a deal to sell Paul Konchesky to Championship outfit Leicester City for a reported fee of £1.5 million, a fraction of the £5 million that was spent by Roy Hodgson to capture the 30-year old from former club Fulham last summer. The much-maligned left back was slated during a six-month spell in which he infuriated Reds fans with 18 abysmal appearances.
Although Hodgson was blind to Konchesky's blatant inability to perform at the high level expected on Merseyside, Dalglish could clearly see his faults, and quickly shafted him out to Nottingham Forest on an emergency loan during the January transfer window. Konchesky was never likely to wear a Red shirt again and, after being offered a lifeline by Foxes' manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, has finally departed. Although we certainly won't miss him, we wish Paul Konchesky all the best at Leicester and for the rest of his career. (13th July)
Gerardo Bruna has completed a move to the recently relegated Blackpool. The Argentinian was a regular member of the Reds' reserves yet never appeared to make a real claim for a place in Kenny Dalglish's first team squad. We wish him all the best. (18th July)
Promising young goalkeeper Peter Gulasci has moved to Championship outfit Hull City on a season-long loan. Gulasci has also signed a contract extension at Anfield though, clearly demonstrating that the club appreciate his potential and want to see his development enhanced by playing regular first team football. This is in keeping with Damien Comolli's comments after the completion of the signing of Alexander Doni, when Liverpool's Director of Football claimed that as a result of the Brazilian's arrival the Reds' younger keepers would be allowed to depart on loan. (19th July)
Chris Mavinga has completed a move to French side Rennes after failing to feature in a single first team fixture during a two-year spell on Merseyside. The 20-year old defender returns to France after joining Liverpool in 2009 from Paris Saint-Germain. His loan spell at Belgian side Genk last season failed to impress Dalglish and co. at Anfield and hence he has been moved on swiftly. (19th July)
Martin Hansen has joined Bradford City on an emergency loan. The Danish stopper toured Asia with the Reds this summer but is yet to make his competitive debut and remains unlikely to compete for a first team place next season. He will return to Anfield in 28 days. (28th July)
Thomas Ince has signed a two-year contract with Championship Club Blackpool after rejecting a new contract offer from Liverpool. Son of former Red Paul, Ince appeared only once for the Merseysiders, coming on as a substitute in our ill-fated Carling Cup tie at home to Northampton Town last season. We wish him all the best on the seaside. (3rd August)
Serbian international Milan Jovanovic finally completed his move to Anderlecht today. The left sided forward was Rafael Benitez's last signing as Liverpool manager, arriving on a free from Standard Liege. He netted twice whilst making 18 appearances for the Reds, however he failed to impress, lacking the ability to sustain a position in the first eleven under both Roy Hodgson and Kenny Dalglish. FSG will be delighted to get him off their wage bill. Jovanovic was reportedly on over £100,000 a week. (5th August)
Daniel Ayala has sealed a move to newly-promoted Norwich City. Following four years and five appearances the Spanish central defender appeared unlikely to mount a serious challenge for a first team position, and therefore has been allowed to depart. We wish him all the best. (13th August)
Liverpool have confirmed that Moroccan winger Nabil el Zhar has been released from his contract with the Anfield club. He is now expected to sign for Spanish side Levante. El Zhar never threatened to break through into the first eleven and will not be missed. (18th August)
Sotirios Kyrgiakos has departed Anfield following 49 appearances during a two-year spell on Merseyside, joining German side Wolfsburg. The iconic Greek centre back became a cult hero on the Kop for stepping up to the plate and filling in with aplomb when injuries ravaged the Reds' back line throughout Rafael Benitez's ill-fated final season in the dugout. Although seen as a fourth-choice centre back, Soto performed well and impressed supporters sufficiently to ensure he was still appreciated despite latter poor form. We wish him all the best during the twilight of his career. (23rd August)
Spanish youngster Daniel Pacheco has returned to his homeland to join Athletico Madrid on a season-long loan. Despite possessing plenty of potential and encouraging many supporters during sporadic first team cameos, Pacheco spent the second half of last season on loan at Premier League new boys Norwich City and has seemingly failed to sufficiently impress manager Kenny Dalglish. Although he could replicate Alberto Aquilani and return to Merseyside next season following an impressive year abroad, Pacheco appears unlikely to fulfill the promise he displayed upon arrival from Athletico's rivals Barcelona in 2009. (24th August)
Liverpool have agreed a deal with AC Milan for midfielder Alberto Aquilani to join the Italian giants on loan for the remainder of the season. The option of a permanent move following the completion of this loan spell is also available to the Serie A side. Despite arguing in this article that Aquilani should be given another opportunity to prove his worth this season, the Reds have since purchased two talented central midfielders in the shape of Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam. Therefore, I fully understand why Dalglish has allowed the 27-year old to depart Anfield, and do not expect him to return to Merseyside in the future. We wish him all the best at Milan. (25th August)
Emiliano Insua has left Liverpool, signing a five-year contract with Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon. The 22-year old Argentinian left back initially proved promising, with Kopites particularly noting his willingness to surge forward down the wing and whip in inviting crosses. However, he struggled defensively during the second half of the 2009/2010 season and lost form and confidence markedly, despite Benitez stubbornly continuing to pick him in the startling line-up when a time away from the spotlight to recover would have been preferable. Following the arrival of a dependable left back in the form of Jose Enrique, Dalglish has seen Insua as surplus to requirements and swiftly moved him on, possibly without receiving a transfer fee. Enrique, Aurelio and Robinson will now battle for the left back position. (27th August)
Liverpool have reached an agreement with little known Ligue 1 side Evian Thonon Gaillard for the transfer of the much-maligned Danish midfielder Christian Poulsen. The sale marks the end of a nightmare spell on Merseyside for the 31-year old, whose departure is simply a bitter reminder of the folly of former manager Roy Hodgson's transfer policy during his single summer at the Anfield helm.
Poulsen could not adapt to the high tempo style of play in the Premier League and was little more than an ineffective water-carrier. With competition from Gerrard, Meireles, Lucas, Adam and Henderson as well as promising youngsters Jonjo Shelvey and Jay Spearing, Poulsen was certainly on the outskirts of the Reds' squad and unlikely to feature in Kenny's short-term plans, let alone his long-term ones. He will not be missed. (30th August)
Joe Cole has joined French champions Lille on a season-long loan. His arrival last summer was greeted with widespread approval, however he disappointingly failed to hit top form and never appeared likely to secure a regular place in the first eleven. In this article I argued that the Reds should cut their losses and sell Cole as quickly as possible and, although he has only left on loan, the 29-year old Londoner is unlikely to feature in Dalglish's plans for the future. We wish him all the best in France. (31st August)
Young French forward David Ngog has joined Bolton Wanderers for a reported fee of £4 million, earning the Reds a tidy £2.5 million profit. Ngog managed a credible 19 goals in 94 appearances for Liverpool, however he failed to win over many supporters and new manager Kenny Dalglish appeared unconvinced by the former PSG player. During the depressing days of the Hicks and Gillett reign Ngog was virtually the only understudy to first choice striker Fernando Torres, and hence he was given too much responsibility when Torres was sidelined through injury and struggled under the pressure and weight of expectation placed on him. Although I was a big Ngog fan, the time has probably come for Ngog to move on. We wish him all the best. (31st August)
Liverpool have terminated the contract of Swiss right back Phillip Degen by mutual consent. Degen made only thirteen first-team appearances in a horror three years on Merseyside for the former Borussia Dortmund player. Glen Johnson, Martin Kelly and Jon Flanagan provide ample cover in his position and FSG will simply be pleased to have one less player on the wage bill. (31st August)
At the last minute Raul Meireles has completed a move to Chelsea for a fee rumoured to be approximately £12 million. After Liverpool rejected a player-plus-cash exchange involving former Red Yossi Benayoun yesterday, the Portugal international handed in a transfer request and eventually a deal was agreed to re-unite the ex Porto player with his former boss Andre Villas-Boas at Stamford Bridge.
Meireles' £11 million arrival last summer was one of few highlights from Roy Hodgson's tenure, however he never hit top form until Kenny Dalglish took control in January. He then netted an enviable five times in six matches, leading me to write this article extolling his qualities.
However, the signing of Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam meant Meireles moved down the midfield pecking order and, worrying that he would lack regular first team football, Meireles sought and eventually achieved a move to Chelsea. His combative, attacking style of play will be missed and his departure lessens our squad depth slightly, however younger replacements with more long-term potential to realise our available in his position. Ultimately, he will be fondly remembered but not missed. (31st August)
