The reports are saying that Liverpool have virtually beaten off Chelsea to sign Glen Johnson from Portsmouth. I was excited when I heard this news yesterday as I am a big Glen Johnson fan. Johnson is one of the signings I was crying out for this summer and I hope Rafa finally gets him. One thing though that is worrying me a bit about this signing is how much we are paying for Johnson. It is not clear yet what the exact fee is as the deal is not final yet but the initial suggestions are that we are going to pay close to 17 million pounds for him. Now this is a lot of cash but Portsmouth still owe us about 7 million from purchasing Crouch from us which would be offset from the Johnson fee. Then it is also thought that we would sell Dossena and / or Arbeloa to fund the Johnson deal.
I would not mind seeing Dossena leave but I would be sad if Arbeloa were to go. Arbeloa’s game has improved a lot and we would need him as backup to Johnson for the rightback position. Arbeloa’s versatility is also needed for our squad as he can play anywhere along the back four.
But looking at Johnson, he is now England’s first choice right back so he has an element of quality. Johnson would offer us a great attacking threat as he loves to go forward but at the same time he is solid in defence. I think the reason he is costing a lot is because he is English. English players do not come cheap these days especially since UEFA are pushing for the 6 + 5 rule.
I hope the Johnson deal comes through quickly and we get our man. Johnson is just the kind of signing we need to build from last season and really start to challenge.