Brendan Rodgers had two major tasks to accomplish this summer: to attempt to fill the void of Luis Suarez and to track down a left back for the long-term.
The former of the two tasks has taken notable publicity, as Liverpool brought in attacking mindsets in the form of Rickie Lambert, Lazar Markovic, and Adam Lallana.
Now, the second part of the mission is done. Liverpool’s official website has announced the Reds have secured the rights to Alberto Moreno from Sevilla.
Liverpool wanted a left back from the very beginning of the summer’s transfer period. Brendan Rodgers made it known that Moreno was his number one target.
Sky Sports is reporting the deal will cost Liverpool about £12 million to acquire 22-year-old from the Spanish club. The Reds website said, “The Reds will proceed with the formalities of finalising the deal over the coming days and will make no further announcement until it is complete.”
Moreno will be counted on to make an impact right from the start. He has good first-team experience playing with Sevilla, which lost to Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup 2-0. He sat out the Cup Final to avoid injury as the deal got finalized. Moreno was clearly distraught about missing the game and leaving the club he grew up in.
He will bring that experience and strength with him to Anfield where he could replace Jose Enrique very soon. Enrique missed half the season last year with a knee injury. The 28-year-old Enrique seems to watch more games than he participates in; and that was the reason Rodgers was so keen on adding a dependable left back this summer.
The up-and-coming Spaniard was with Sevilla in Cardiff, Wales and will cross the border into England soon to join his new mates. Rodgers and company hope to have the deal done and fitness testing finished by Saturday, per the Reds website.
If all goes according to plan, Alberto Moreno could be dressed and available this Sunday when the Reds start the 2014-2015 season against Southampton at Anfield. If all that does all into place, look for Martin Kelly to be exiting Liverpool to make room for the young Spaniard.
Moreno was originally held for £20 million by Sevilla, and then £16 million. Eight weeks and £8 million cheaper, Rodgers has finally landed his prize. With this being the eighth new addition for Liverpool, and the season starting this week, you could be swayed into thinking Liverpool has done enough during this transfer period. But Brendan Rodgers may have a lot more left in store before the transfer period ends August 31.
