A Swap Deal Involving Liverpool Loanee And Adam Johnson? Why Is It A Bad Idea

There have been rumors doing the round of a possible swap deal involving Adam Johnson and Fabio Borini, with the Italian striker making his move permanent in exchange for any deal for the England winger. Here are three reasons why the swap deal is a bad idea.

Liverpool lack backup in attack

Liverpool have been over reliant on Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge this season. The duo have scored 37 out of the 58 goals that Liverpool have scored so far this season. However, beyond that, Liverpool have no depth in the striking department. Summer arrival Iago Aspas has struggled to get minutes and has failed to impress in the limited opportunities that he has got so far.

Liverpool sent Borini out on loan for him to get more playing time and get accustomed to the pace and physicality of the Premier League, and that will undoubtedly stand him in good stead when he returns from his loan spell at the end of the season. Even though he has failed to find the net on a more consistent basis (3 goals in 19 appearances), his performances have been impressive, and his return would improve given the quality of service that would be available at Liverpool.

Adam Johnson is the not the answer to Liverpool’s wing problems

Adam Johnson has had an impressive second half of the season, scoring six league goals in five appearances since the turn of the New Year. He has been one of the most impressive players and key contributors in Sunderland’s renaissance under Gus Poyet this season, and thoroughly deserves the praise that is coming his way.

However, despite all of the things he has done, he is not the player Liverpool should be looking for. He is far too inconsistent for Liverpool to depend on, especially if Liverpool do manage to qualify for the Champions League. He has the ability to take on defenders but his final product is lacking far too often and he also does not track back enough, something that he would have to do at Liverpool.

The move undervalues Borini

Borini moved to Liverpool from Roma for £11m in the summer of 2012 as one of Brendan Rodgers’ first signings. He struggled to make his mark in an injury plagued first season, and while he has impressed for Sunderland on loan, there is no chance that Liverpool would recoup the money that they paid for him if they decide to go ahead with the swap deal.

In case the deal did go through, it might involve Liverpool paying some cash along with Borini to secure the deal which would price Borini at less than half of what Liverpool paid for him. That makes no business sense, especially for a player who has shown a great deal of promise so far this season. Besides, Adam Johnson is not the sort of player that Liverpool need, and they would be much better served to look at other options.

With Brendan Rodgers suggesting that the Konoplyanka move could be completed in the summer, it makes more sense to have Borini as a backup striker and invest the funds available in buying a quality winger.