The transfer drama at Liverpool this summer looks set to continue and take a new twist. I think this is going to make a good show one day! Now Steven Gerrard picked up a knock in last nights win over Valerenga and he was substituted off in the first half. Reports today suggest that Gerrard will not be fit for the first leg of the Champions League qualifier next week. Now where the plot thickens; if Alonso plays in the qualifier, he is going to be cup-tied for the Champions League and thus if he leaves Liverpool and joins a team playing in the Champions League, he would not be allowed to play in the competition. This means that any potential ‘big’ team would not want to sign Alonso if he is not able to play in the Champions League for them and on the other hand, Alonso himself would not want to leave Liverpool and go play for a team not in the Champions League.
So where does all this leave us? Firstly, Gerrard’s injury is thought not to be too serious, maybe a week or two out. So looking ahead to next week, Gerrard will not play and Alonso could or could not play. If Alonso plays then I am 100% sure he will remain a Liverpool player. What will this now mean to the signing of Gareth Barry? If Alonso stays will Barry join Liverpool? Chances are probably not as it looks like the money for signing Barry would only be available on the condition that Alonso was going to be sold.
Here is what I see happening; Gerrard is not fit, Rafa will not take any chances in playing Alonso if it is going to slash his transfer value. And I do not see Barry signing anytime soon. And with Mascherano and Lucas at the Olympics, that would mean Rafa is short of first team regulars to fill the central midfield role. I see Rafa then opting for Plesiss and maybe Spearing in the centre of the midfield. Now would you be comfortable with that for a Champions League qualifier? Maybe not but really what options does Rafa have?
What do you think Rafa should or should not do?
