Luis Alberto deal done as Liverpool show intent in the transfer window

Liverpool are making their moves swiftly in the transfer market as they have announced the completion of their third signing of the season by acquiring the services of Luis Alberto. The Merseyside club, having finished seventh in the Premier League last season behind rivals Everton, look keen on getting a head-start next season. The Sevilla forward spent last season on loan at Barcelona B but gave some encouraging performances in his 38 appearances. He will be Liverpool’s third signing after Kolo Toure and Iago Aspas. Liverpool are also said to be in the process of acquiring the services of Shakhtar Donetsk playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan but that deal is likely to take some time.

Liverpool added a bit of muscle to their squad last January with Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho and those signing made an immediate impact. That seems to have impressed the owners who were initially hesitant in splashing the cash after some terrible investments that were made under the reign of Kenny Dalglish. Brendan Rodgers’ record is, however, a mixed bag as of now as Joe Allen and Fabio Borjini have failed to impress.

Rodgers expressed excitement on the completion of Alberto’s signing. He said,”We are all delighted that Luis has decided to join Liverpool. He has the correct footballing profile and mentality to be a Liverpool player. I look forward to working with him to develop his talent and he joins a group of young exciting players at our club.”

Luis Alberto talked about the move with excitement and hope. He was disappointed at not having received an opportunity to play for Sevilla in the premier division but Liverpool comes to him as a golden chance if he can grab it with both hands. He said,”I was surprised [when Liverpool showed interest in me]. You never expect this to happen to you. But as the deal moved forward, I became very happy and I wanted to come to Liverpool. I hope that between us all we can make this club one of the greatest in the world, once again.”

Luis Alberto’s ‘long-term’ contract makes him yet another young player in the ranks of Liverpool and one wonders if they are lacking some established players in the midfield and in defense. They already have the likes of Sterling, Suso and Borini in their ranks and Coutinho is no senior professional either, inspite of the promising displays he put up in the last half of the season. It remains to be seen if Luis Alberto and Iago Aspas can make the requisite adjustment to the pace and physicality of the English game and make an immediate impact to the playing XI. The boss has, however, made one aspect of his reign clear that he is not running after established players but seeking those elements that will fit his footballing philosophy.

There are a few causes for concern for the former Swansea manager though. The uncertainty around the future of Luis Suarez is unsettling and while Andy Carroll’s exit has freed up some cash for Liverpool, they cannot afford to go ahead with a deal for an established forward before Suarez’s future is decided. Liverpool still have a gaping gap in their defense. The Kolo Toure move was initially seen as a clever piece of business as it brought in experience without any extravagance. However, the Anfield faithful are beginning to doubt the boss’s plans regarding the role the former Manchester City defender will play at Liverpool. He will be a good cover-up but Liverpool must sign a convincing center back if Skrtel is to leave the club.

Liverpool’s next few moves will define the transfer season for them. Up to this point, it has been a lot of intent but perhaps little substance. Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s capture, and signing a quality center back, can change that equation and that is a lot that still needs to be done. The bottomline is that Liverpool need a little more than noble intent at this point of time to make a claim for the Champions League spots next season.