If we're in the middle of a recession then somebody failed to mention it to the Premier League Football clubs willing to pay extortionate fees this January. First we had Edin Dzeko move to Manchester City for 27 million pounds, then Aston Villa parted with 18 million (subject to rise to 24) to bring Darren Bent to the midlands. If that wasn't enough, deadline day saw an incredible splurge of activity as Liverpool brought in the Uruguyan Luiz Suarez for over £22 million as well as splashing £35 million pounds on Newcastle's Andy Carroll. Leaving Anfield was the talismanic Fernando Torres who moved to the capital to join Chelsea for £50 million and the champions weren't finished there; also adding the Benfica centre half David Luiz for in excess of £20 million. A window full of activity and money spent aplenty.
Each club will argue that the money spent represents the quality they are buying and in some cases that remains true but if anybody thought that Carroll was worth £35 million prior to the 31st of January 2011 then they were certainly keeping quiet about it.
It's clear that the man, who until recently wanted to be a 'Geordie legend', has considerable talent and you won't get many doubting that he has the attributes to succeed at the highest level. Carroll is tall, athletic, strong, powerful in the air and has an element of skill not necessarily associated with your stereotypical 'targetman'. He's taken to the Premier League, like a duck to water, and his record over the first half of the season would suggest that he's destined to achieve not only in the top flight but on the international stage as well.
So why the furore over his transfer?
Liverpool have taken a punt and a ridiculous one at that. To spend £35 million pounds on a 22 year old, who has played only half a season of Premier League football, is excessive to say the least and reflects the sort of gamble that a club would only take on deadline day. Forget the potential of the lad, forget how Newcastle valued him and forget the amount of money brought into the club by the sale of Torres. Liverpool have splashed this money out of sheer panic and will rue their decision to blow this much on a player of Carroll's calibre. £35 million should be reserved for a world class player and not for an individual who looks like he may be able to, one day, grow into a top class striker in the Premier League. You might argue that it's the market inflating prices but the deal smacks of desperation from a Liverpool board looking to cover for the loss of Torres and Newcastle have done an incredible piece of business.
Remember this; Michael Ricketts had a good season once....
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