Crouch heads for Anfield

Last updated : 19 July 2005 By The Editor

The twenty four year old is expected to sign a four year deal tomorrow, although manager Harry Redknapp is unaware of any details. "I just got a message a while ago that they had agreed terms with Liverpool so that is where he is now," said Harry.

Southampton will be making a £5 million profit on a player brought to the club less than a year ago. In August 2004, many queried the decision to bring in a player who was in such poor form at Aston Villa. Despite transfer fees of over £6.5 million, many couldn't see past Crouch's height, ignoring the fact he was more than capable with his feet.

Without a regular place Crouch was clearly suffering a loss of confidence that even a loan move to Norwich didn't dispel. However, Saints took a chance and, with the problems surrounding Beattie's departure, Crouch became an integral part of the team.

While his 12 league goals last season weren't enough to prevent Saints getting relegated, he would certainly have been a key element in securing our promotion this term.

Even in the preseason friendlies, Crouch was the team's main attacking outlet. It's very difficult to see Saints as an effective attacking force without their centre forward.

Brett Ormerod, Theo Walcott and Marian Pahars are players who require a target man to pick up headers or passes from. Saints really have no one else capable of replacing Crouch, and Redknapp will either have to find a ready replacement or come up with some new attacking strategies. Crouch's departure is far more important than that of Kevin Phillips due to the way in which it will affect the way in which the team operates.

"A fee of seven million is good money and obviously it was too good to turn down," said Harry to the official site.

"I would love to have kept him. He was a key player...I am sure he will be a big success there."

Despite the downside of Crouch's move, it was a transfer that the board were correct to accept. Crouch clearly wished to move to Liverpool. It would mean Premiership football, never mind the fact that he'd be playing for the winners of the Champions League.

A £5 million pound profit on a player with less than a year's service with the club is good business. With the shortfall in revenue due to relegation it's exceptionally good business.

The problem is going to be how to invest wisely to ensure that the shortfall isn't extended by failure to gain promotion.