Former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch has defended the Reds’ owners Fenway Sports’ Group (FSG) over their alleged transfer stance this month.
Crouch defends FSG
This comes after The Athletic journalist David Ornstein revealed that the Reds are not expected to bring any first-team faces through the door, despite being short of options in their central defensive area.
Both Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are out with serious knee injuries, while Joel Matip continues to struggle with fitness issues. This leaves manager Jurgen Klopp with no established centre-halves to choose from.
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This had led to criticism of the club’s owners, with some even wanting the American consortium out of the club entirely.
While the German tactician hinted that he would like to bring someone in, Crouch defended the owners and added that it is not in their nature to panic buy.
“I think the criticism [of the owners] is a little bit unfair to not bring one in,” Crouch told the Liverpool Echo. “They are obviously trying, they have to be.
“It was earmarked for definite, without doubt, that they need a centre-back. I think that is clear for everyone to see.
“But what I like about how Liverpool have gone about their business in recent years is there has been no panic buying has there?
“Never once have you thought ‘ah they are just trying to fill a gap there’. Every single buy has always had a point or a reason and it has always improved the team.”
Transfer Tavern Verdict
Crouch is right – these are not normal times for any football club to be operating in, let alone an elite one of Liverpool’s prestige.
Let’s not forget, the club spent over £60m in the summer on two top drawer players, both of whom have suffered injuries this season.
The Reds have climbed back to the top of their perch thanks to shrewd and careful transfer business, so any centre-back move they do make now or in the summer must be yet another measured one.
In other news, Pundit backs £180k-p/w Liverpool star who Jamie Carragher slated.
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