The need for Liverpool to make additions in this January’s transfer window, is there for everybody to see. No true fan can look at the position of their club in the Premier League table and not feel like there’s work to be done.
There are good players at Anfield, but work needs to be done to make this team competitive. The January transfer window represents an opportunity to right the wrongs of the summer. Let’s just hope that the club doesn’t cock it up.
This leads me to a story in the Liverpool Echo that I found particularly disappointing. It’s claimed that Liverpool have given up on signing Arsenal’s contract rebel this January and are willing to wait until next summer when he’ll be a free agent.
This seems particularly disappointing to me on two levels: availability and need.
Firstly, availability: if Walcott does run down his contract and leave the Gunners as a free agent, he’ll have a whole host of clubs chasing him down. Can Brendan Rodgers really expect to compete with clubs that will be able to offer him Champions League football and inflated wages?
Waiting until next summer may essentially end Liverpool’s chances of snapping him up at all.
Secondly, I don’t like the idea of Liverpool waiting six months for a player they need now. The club are a neutered force down the wings, offering little in the way of penetration, threat or passion.
Whether you’re a fan of Theo Walcott, or not, you can’t deny that he’s an effective player. His pace alone will offer the Reds an outlet, but it’s his stats that really speak for themselves. He always seems to produce something when he’s on the pitch, whether it’s an assist or a goal.
Brendan must surely be able to tempt Theo this January: regular games in his favoured role upfront, passionate fans, decent wages and the opportunity to be a part of a long-term ‘project’.
These things may mean nothing to Theo next summer, when he’s getting money fluttered in front of his face. I just don’t feel that Rodgers can afford to pass this opportunity up.
I realize that money will be an issue for Liverpool this January, but wouldn’t Theo be a sensible way to spend the little cash the club has?
What’s your take? Should Liverpool be after Theo Walcott and should they look to conclude a deal this January or next summer?
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