Why There’s No Way Back For Alberto Moreno At Liverpool
Liverpool, having secured a fourth placed Premier League finish in Jurgen Klopp’s first full season in charge, were expected to spend heavily in the summer to retain the ‘top four’ status and enjoy a decent run in their prestigious Champions League return.
Liverpool have concluded a couple of first team inclusions in the form of winger Mohamed Salah and left-back Andrew Robertson, following prolonged negotiations with AS Roma and Hull City. The likes of Lucas Leiva, Andre Wisdom and Kevin Stewart have already been transferred out, being surplus to Jurgen Klopp’s requirement. A few others are yet to find new destinations – Mamadou Sakho, Lazar Markovic and Alberto Moreno top that list.
Sakho has been exiled due to his disciplinary concerns. Markovic, on the other hand, had a few unsuccessful loan spells and failed to impress the gaffer during pre-season. They have not been included in club’s tour to Germany for the Audi Cup – a two-day pre-season football tournament staged at the Allianz Arena.
But the situation regarding Alberto Moreno has been somewhat different. The left-back lacks defensive contribution and spent time among the substitutes for the entire 2016-17 campaign. Veteran James Milner, the versatile Englishman, deputised in a make-shift full-back role and earned loads of applauds for his majestic displays. Moreover, the arrival of Andrew Robertson has further jeopardised the Spaniard’s Liverpool future and the club is now ready to listen to offers for the former Sevilla starlet.
Moreno, 25, joined the Reds back in the summer of 2014 and has appeared 104 times in past three campaigns. He, however, was often criticized for his erroneous defensive display especially against his former side Sevilla in 2015-16 UEFA Europa League final that cost them the title despite the Reds leading by a goal in first half.
Klopp, however, stood by him due to his attitude, commitment and hard work, and handed him one last chance to resurrect his career at Liverpool. But the elegance of James Milner roughened his revival and now the new signing Robertson, the 23-year old Scottish international, has sent him further down the pecking order at Anfield.
Moreno has been included in Liverpool’s 30-man pre-season squad that traveled to Germany and a £15million price tag has been set on him amidst interests from England, Italy and Spain. The club rejected a £11million bid from Serie A heavyweights Napoli last month and are hopeful of an improved offer before the transfer deadline. The Spaniard was suggested in an advanced role (as a wing-back or winger) by pundits and experts due to his attacking intent, but the presence of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and new recruit Mohamed Salah dismisses that option as well. Moreno’s days are numbered at Anfield and his egress is inevitable.