It was obvious it was going to happen and I’ve been expecting it, but quite simply, this one hurts.
I know, I know, we’ll be able to put the money to good use and we were too one-dimensional because we always played to/always relied too much on the one player. I’ve heard what you’re saying.
But I don’t agree.
First, unless Lerner really surprises me, we won’t spend all the money we ought to have available.
We’ve had around £40 million coming in, give or take a few million because of sell on clauses etc and this means even after the players we’ve signed, we should still have at least another £30 million or so to spend.
Do I see that happening?
No I don’t, although in fairness, we’ve been linked to Diego Rolan at 18 million euros, so it may be a case that the spending will indeed continue.
And then, more importantly, there’s the fact that I rate Benteke as highly as any striker I’ve seen down the Villa in a long time. He has the lot for me and to see that only around 30% of his goals were scored with his head has surprised even me.
I know we couldn’t do anything about the release clause, but it strikes me it was way too cheap.
And given that some ignorant Liverpool fans only had him pegged as some Andy Carroll type, this deal has really wound me up. To be fair though, it does seem that after proper research, they have had their eyes opened somewhat.
I really think Benteke should have held out another season for a Champions League club, but fair play to Brendan Rodgers, he knows what he’s buying.
If Liverpool don’t achieve CL this season, I don’t believe it’ll be Benteke’s fault, as I think he’ll get twenty goals easily, even if they don’t specifically play to suit him.
So it’s with a heavy heart, that I wish Benteke well at Liverpool.
From what I’ve seen of Sherwood’s signings up to now, I’m happy in thinking that we’ll be a better side this season, but we’ll still miss a player of Benteke’s calibre, in my opinion.
Oh well, onwards and upwards eh?
[polldaddy poll=8992489]