The January transfer window is now closed and all eyes were on Liverpool on a dramatic deadline day today (Monday).
Liverpool have signed striker Andy Carroll for £35million + add-ons from Newcastle Utd.
In addition, the Reds completed the signing of Luis Suarez for £22.8million from Ajax.
Both Carroll and Suarez have signed 5 and a half year contracts with the club.
Carroll becomes Liverpool’s most expensive signing of all time.
Fernando Torres has left Anfield and signed for Chelsea in a 5 and a half year deal. Liverpool took £50million from the deal.
Paul Konchesky has left the club on loan to Nottingham Forest until the end of the season.
Liverpool have also acquired exciting Coventry City teenager Conor Thomas on loan until the end of the season with a view to making the deal permanent.
Andy Carroll – £35million from Newcastle Utd
22 years old
Resigned to losing Torres to Chelsea, the football world was left in shock today as Liverpool put in a bid of around £25million for Newcastle Utd striker Carroll.
It is understood that Newcastle turned the bid down, and later rejected an improved £30million offer.
However, this prompted Carroll to request to leave St James’ Park and a £35million fee + add-ons was agreed between the two clubs.
Carroll took a private jet to Merseyside from the North East, arriving early evening to undergo a medical and sign a lucrative 5 and a half year contract.
Carroll becomes Liverpool’s new number 9.
Luis Suarez – £22.8million from Ajax
24 years old
After agreeing a fee with Ajax on Friday, Suarez spent the weekend at Melwood undergoing a medical and ironing out a lengthly 5 and a half year deal.
The Uruguayan striker, very much a different type of forward to Carroll, had been chased by Liverpool for the whole transfer window.
Liverpool’s initial bid of £12.5million was turned down by the Dutch club, massively under Ajax’s valuation.
After two more failed bids, the clubs came to an agreement of £22.8million, breaking Liverpool’s club transfer record – before Carroll’s then eclipsed it.
Suarez will wear the number 7 shirt for the Reds.
Fernando Torres – £50million to Chelsea
The Spanish international striker leaves amid a storm, after three and a half years worshipped as a hero at Anfield.
Having spoken of his commitment to Liverpool just three weeks ago, Torres handed in a transfer request last week following Chelsea‘s failed initial £40million bid.
Liverpool accepted their £50million bid today, and once the Carroll deal was tied up, gave Chelsea the go-ahead to speak to Torres and conclude the move.
Torres has signed a 5 and a half year contract at Stamford Bridge and could play against Liverpool when the two sides meet in the Premier League next Sunday.
For shame, Fernando.
It was a manic day for Liverpool Football Club, who have also seen Ryan Babel leave the club this transfer window.
There were also reported moves for Blackpool’s Charlie Adam and Manchester City‘s Micah Richard, whilst moves for Aston Villa‘s Ashley Young and Stephen Warnock were also on the cards.
Despite the dissapointment of Torres’ exit, shrouded in disbelief and anger from Liverpool supporters, there is a lot to look forward to with the new strike force of Carroll and Suarez.
Fan Comments