"I was a bit surprised and didn't really know what was going on at the time. When I knew it was real and that there was a chance for me to come here I knew it was a great opportunity and I had to take it". This is what Andy Carroll said in his first interview after joining Liverpool.
He wasn't the only one who didn't really know what was going on.
Rewind to 31st January 2011 at 10:00 pm IST, 4:30 pm GMT (just a few hours before the end of the winter transfer window) and football fans worldwide were glued to their computer screens on atleast five different websites looking for the latest on Fernando Torres' move to Chelsea. Resigned to losing Torres, we fans were hoping that Luis Suarez wouldn't face the same problem Torres faced under Roy Hodgson at Liverpool. In simpler words we were hoping to bring in a new striker.
With a few hours left for the window to shut the Liverpool management's agenda had three important points:
1: Convince Torres to stay
2: Convince Chelsea to pay 50 million (no exchange deal involving Sturridge)
3: Sign a replacement for Torres.
Along with these three important things, Dalglish and Commoli (I'm assuming they were at the forefront) were trying to get on the line with Blackpool's owner to convince him to listen for offers for Charlie Adam.
Commoli also got in touch with Houllier over a proposed move for A.Young which prompted the Frenchman to come out twice to declare that his winger wasn't available. A speculated bid for Micah Richards failed too.
Then came the inevitable. Torres' deal was agreed with Chelsea for 50 million. Frantically, Liverpool were in the market to sign his replacement. Two bids were rejected by Newcastle, before a 35 million bid was accepted and the big man was finally Anfield bound.
Now, belatedly maybe, comes my point.
35 million pounds!! Overpriced? Certainly. Rumours had it that Khedira, Ozil, Chicharito and Van der Vaart were worth 35 combined. Kenny what were you thinking??
Carroll? Why?
Is it because he's probably the best young English talent around now? (No offense to Wilshere, really rate that guy)
Is it because Liverpool needed a striker on transfer deadline day and everyone knew that. Any club possessing a player Liverpool needed would obviously overprice. Mike Ashley = Einstien then? Well done!
Is it because since Sami Hyypia left, Liverpool's only headed goal from a corner has come from Soto Kyrgiakos (who doesn't start a game now) and the Reds needed a physical presence in the box?
Is it because he's got a knack of scoring goals and has done so already this season against Arsenal and Chelsea?
Is it because he's got 11 goals for a team that has just been promoted to the Barclays Premier League?
Is it because he's got 9 assists?
Is it because Luis Suarez needs a striker to play alongside?
Is it because he's English and he's overpriced?
Carrick = 18 million. (Correct me if he wasn't overpriced)
A 17 year Wayne Rooney 28 million (not sure about the price, please correct me here)
Sir Alex made these deals and no one doubted him.
We needed Andy, we got him.
We as supporters didn't pay for him.
We as supporters can certainly enjoy the prospect of a few headed goals, a few assists and a physical presence that creates havoc in the oppositions defense.
Let's go Carroll!!
