The papers, the internet and even the pubs are full of talk that the new owners are not backing Rafa, and the reds are missing out on the big summer signings.
This wild knee jerk reaction has to stop.
Liverpool have already agreed a deal for a Brazilian wonderkid who is certain to be pushing for a first team place next season, we have already agreed extended deals for our top players in a show of ambition that simply would not have occurred all at once under the old regime.
The board made their intentions clear to back Rafa Benitez in the transfer market, and at this moment in time, that can not be argued to be untrue. The only problem Liverpool may have is that they do not have sufficient ‘negotiators’ at the tables, with Rick Parry in overall charge of transfer negotiations.
A number of players have been sounded out already and deals will be done. Whereas in previous years we haven’t even been mentioned when the big stars have been looking for transfers, now we are mentioned with almost every player.
While we will spend money on players Rafa really wants at Anfield during the next 8 weeks, we should also do very well to remember that a hefty price tag does not guarantee success. Michael Ballack and Andriy Shevchenko at a combined cost of over £50 million failed to land the Premiership title for Chelsea last year.
The fact’s of the matter for any panic-ridden Liverpool fan are these. Liverpool’s finances last year were in big trouble. The £6.7 million’s for Pennants and the £7 millions for the Crouch’s of the world were beginning to financially cripple one of Europe’s footballing giants. The dream of a 60,000 seater stadium was disappearing fast.
Now, we have work about to commence on a potential 76,000 seater stadium, four of our arguably best players with big futures still ahead of them have signed deals keeping them at Anfield for at least 4 years, and the club are now constantly linked to the biggest transfers in European and World football.
Panic if you want. Don’t be offended if I don’t join in.