Just when you thought all that transfer window craziness was done and dusted, there’s still little shucks and jives going on in the market with former Barcelona ‘keeper Victor Valdes reportedly agreeing to terms with Liverpool over a move.
Since the Spanish shot-stopper is now a free agent, the deal can be concluded after the transfer window had already closed. The Reds had a busy deadline day, sending both Sebastian Coates and Oussama Assaidi out on season long loans while Fabio Borini got his wish and will be at Anfield until at least January after a plethora of permanent and loan moves hit the skids. Although the Reds enjoyed a successful summer playing in the market, boss Brendan Rodgers was looking to bring in a bit of depth between the sticks and the three time Champions League winner looks to be the prime candidate to add just that.
The 32-year old has been recovering from cruciate ligament damage sustained midway through last season and is teetering on the edge of being fully fit. Valdes stated his intention to leave the Catalan club earlier in the year and looked to be set to complete a move to mega-rich Ligue One side AS Monaco before it all went horribly wrong. There were rumours floating around that he could stay on for another season at Barcelona, but new boss Luis Enrique brought in both Claudio Bravo and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, leaving the former fan favourite out in the cold.
It’s believed that Liverpool were prepared to wait for the veteran ‘keeper to prove his fitness before completing a deal, but reports out of Spain are saying that a one year deal has already been agreed to and will be announced in the very near future. With Pepe Reina beating a hasty retreat for Bayern Munich, Rodgers has been left with only Brad Jones as an understudy to the sometimes unconvincing Simon Mignolet. Despite Valdes being brought in top provide competition for the Belgian, with the experience he has, he could very well slot in to the number one spot should the need should arise.
