Liverpool right back Glen Johnson signed for Liverpool in the summer of 2009, a transfer window that marked the beginning of the end for Champions League winning Reds boss Rafa Benitez. The current Napoli boss also made the ill-fated signing of Alberto Aquilani that summer, but according to Anfield legend John Aldridge, Benitez also had the chance to sign one of the Premier League's most consistent players, but turned down the opportunity.
In his column for Sunday World today, Aldo claimed:
“If Benitez had been more open-minded [in 2009], Seamus Coleman could be...at Anfield and not...Everton.
“Paul [Cook. Sligo Rovers boss] knew this kid was top drawer and he rang...Liverpool, but Benitez rejected his advances and said he wasn’t interested.
“Every time I see him, I can’t help but lament what might have been"
Coleman is a fine servant for Everton, but Benitez probably rejected the chance to sign him because he'd already lined-up Glen Johnson. However, even with the GJ signing, Coleman only cost £60K (!), so there were clearly very few risks involved with bringing him to Anfield.
Five years later, and Coleman is arguably one of the steadiest right-backs in the Premier League. Additionally, since 2009 (despite costing £17m less than Johnson), he's continually outscored/assisted Liverpool's right back:
* Johnson: 8 goals/14 assists in 160 apps | G/A every 7 games.
* Coleman: 14 goals/16 assists in 126 apps | G/A every 4 games.
This season alone, £10m-rated Coleman has six goals and four assists for Everton, which is amazing for a right-back.
Imagine if Benitez had bought Coleman instead, and used the £17m earmarked for Johnson on another player; depending on the player, the Spaniard's final season might not have gone so badly.
£60k? Come on!
One that got away...?
Author: Jaimie K
In his column for Sunday World today, Aldo claimed:
“If Benitez had been more open-minded [in 2009], Seamus Coleman could be...at Anfield and not...Everton.
“Paul [Cook. Sligo Rovers boss] knew this kid was top drawer and he rang...Liverpool, but Benitez rejected his advances and said he wasn’t interested.
“Every time I see him, I can’t help but lament what might have been"
Coleman is a fine servant for Everton, but Benitez probably rejected the chance to sign him because he'd already lined-up Glen Johnson. However, even with the GJ signing, Coleman only cost £60K (!), so there were clearly very few risks involved with bringing him to Anfield.
Five years later, and Coleman is arguably one of the steadiest right-backs in the Premier League. Additionally, since 2009 (despite costing £17m less than Johnson), he's continually outscored/assisted Liverpool's right back:
* Johnson: 8 goals/14 assists in 160 apps | G/A every 7 games.
* Coleman: 14 goals/16 assists in 126 apps | G/A every 4 games.
This season alone, £10m-rated Coleman has six goals and four assists for Everton, which is amazing for a right-back.
Imagine if Benitez had bought Coleman instead, and used the £17m earmarked for Johnson on another player; depending on the player, the Spaniard's final season might not have gone so badly.
£60k? Come on!
One that got away...?
Author: Jaimie K
