Iago Aspas: What can the deal do for Liverpool?

Iago Aspas

In the face of rising doubts about the future of Luis Suarez at Liverpool, Brendan Rodgers has gone about business and is on the verge of completing his second summer signing. Iago Aspas is a 25-year-old uncapped Spaniard who put in an admirable performance at Celta Vigo last year with 12 goals in 35 league appearances, successfully saving Celta Vigo from the embarrassment of relegation. The forward is likely to cost Liverpool £7.7m. The deal is said to have been driven home before Celta Vigo’s last game. If Celta Vigo had suffered relegation, Liverpool would have been able to activate a release clause of of £7m for Aspas’s signature and hence, a compromise deal was struck between the two clubs. Brendan Rodgers’s record in the transfer market has been impressive so far as he has sought to target young talent, and has not been extravagant with the money.

In fact, Rodgers simply cant afford to. After the catastrophe that was the signing of Andy Carroll in the reign of Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool will have to take every step with the greatest possible caution. This is Liverpool’s second signing of the summer after Kolo Toure was signed to shore up the defense after Carragher’s retirement. Liverpool are now said to be interested in Sporting Lisbon defender Tiago Ilori and Sevilla midfielder Luis Alberto; but it is a given that Liverpool will have to invest more if Suarez eventually leaves.

Aspas has expressed his excitement on arrival at Liverpool. He said, “Liverpool is one of the biggest clubs in the world and although I had offers from Italy and Portugal and other countries I decided my future was in English football.” The Iago Aspas deal was done before the Uruguayan made his controversial remarks that indicated a clear desire to move away from England. Therefore, it would be unfair to see him as a replacement for Suarez, who scored 30 goals for Liverpool in all competitions last season. Suarez took close to no time to adapt to the style of football that is played in England, and judging him by talent alone, he is arguably the best forward in the English Premier League right now. Aspas, on the other hand, is a dynamic player who can contribute not only in terms of his goal-scoring ability, but also by providing the last pass. He is at a stage of his career when he is likely to be at the peak of his skills. However, he will have to prove his ability in the hostile conditions of the English Premier League.

Swansea were another club who were reportedly interested in the services of Aspas, and the success that Michu had at the club must have ignited hope in Michael Laudrup. However, Liverpool was the favoured destination for the Spaniard and he will want to emulate the heroics of Michu, who has a fantastic season for Swansea. Michu was signed by Swansea from Rayo Vallecano and scored a stunning 18 goals and 2 assists in his 35 league appearances last season. If Aspas, who has been signed in similar circumstances, can deliver at the same level in his first season at Anfield, then he will prove to be a great asset to the club.

The early signing will ensure that he gets a good pre-season with the team and is able to understand the philosophy that Brendan Rodgers brings to the Liverpool game. He will have to compete within the squad for a playing XI role and work with the other forwards to develop an understanding. He can play just behind Sturridge or as a part of a three-pronged forward attack as he has the ability to cut inside from wing positions to get in that final pass as well as drill in a shot. He will have to make sure that he controls his temper and does not repeat the mistakes he committed at Celta Vigo. Suarez has apparently been a ‘victim’ at the hands of the English media, so any antics will be spotted and magnified.

How quickly can Liverpool offload Andy Carroll?

However, Liverpool have a lot of work still to do with regards to their squad, and especially sort out the differences with Martin Skrtel. He had a terrible last season, but he is not a lost cause and can fight his way back into the side. If he does choose to leave, the central defense will be considerably weakened and will need strengthening. Rodgers must also look to finalize his stand on Andy Carroll – an early sale that can boost Liverpool’s transfer kitty considerably. However, if the deal lingers on, it will mean that lesser talent will remain in the market, and the probability of hasty investment will also increase.