With the release of both Andy Carroll and Nathan Ecclestone and the most disappointing start to a season in fifty years it has become apparent that Liverpool will need at least one extra forward primarily as a bench player who can offer some impact from the bench.
This situation was accelerated at the weekend with the only attacking alternative to the trio of Borini, Suarez and Sterling being the much maligned and truthfully limited Stewart Downing. Whoever's fault this problem is seems unimportant now as Liverpool fans frantically consider short term transfer options to fill the gap. One name a certain Michael Owen is continually mentioned as a possible stop gap however is Owen even the best ex Liverpool striker available on a free. There are at least three others former players looking for a deal. Here is the lowdown on the options available if a former player on a short term pay for play deal is in fact the way forward.
Michael Owen(32)
Hows his current form ?
Owen has been plying his trade with fierce rivals Manchester United generally as an impact option up front. last season Owen primarily because of injury but also due to falling out of favour with manager Alex Ferguson started only 3 games and came on as a substitute once with his last appearance coming in early February. His supporters would argue that he also scored three times in that period however his lack of sharpness and fitness concerns would leave Liverpool fearful of committing themselves to an expensive financial package who may have lost his passion for the game.
What would the Kop think ?
While there is plenty of hostility towards Owen due to his period at Manchester United a majority of Liverpool fans accept he joined United at a time when it was by far the best footballing and financial offer. Most remember him as a 20 goal a season striker and believe he still possess the composure to be an asset in Liverpool albeit from the bench.
How much will it cost ?
A 50k per week pay for play deal is what he commanded at Manchester United despite having a strong bargaining position it would be surprising if he could seek more than 35k per week.
Robbie Fowler(37)
Hows his current form ?
Fowlers last two seasons have been spent in Thailand and Australia. In Australia he was his clubs top scorer with 9 goals in 28 games while in Thailand he struggled to score goals consistently finishing the campaign with just 2. While at Liverpool he was the ultimate poacher and fan hero in reality at 37 years of age a third spell at Liverpool would seem a long shot.
What would the Kop think ?
As much as Liverpool fans love to reminisce most would recognize this as a bridge too far.
How much will it cost ?
Probably very little if the opportunity was considered. He's believed to have refused a 5k per game deal at Blackpool last year. 10k per week would seal the deal.
Harry Kewell(33)
Hows his current form ? Kewell has enjoyed a surprisingly injury free and fruitful number of years in both Turkey and the A-league in Australia. The last 2 years have seen Kewell score one goal in every three games played, quite an impressive statistic considering the deep lying position Kewell has often been employed. The standard of the leagues mentioned may be questionable however Kewell clearly believes he is playing well enough having cancelled his contract in Australia with the hope of gaining one last pay day in Europe. His enthusiasm for a contract has seen him recently go on trial at Stoke. The fact Pulis chose not to sign him up may play against him in the hunt for a contract with another premiership club.
What would the Kop think ?
Kewell is remembered as the original 'Sicknote' having registered only 93 appearances in a 5 year period. While Kewell's best days were undoubtedly before he joined Liverpool at Leeds United he still produced the occasional moment of flair which confirmed his undoubted ability and debatable application. Given the fans current despair a punt on Kewell would be cautiously welcomed by some but derided by the majority.
How much will it cost ?
Kewell's last contract contained no guaranteed remuneration instead relating to commercial revenue generated by his now former club. His eagerness to find a club suggests Kewell would accept an offer of around twenty thousand per week whether that is value for money is open to question.
Emile Heskey(34)
Hows his current form ?
Starting with the positives Heskey has been played premiership football since leaving Liverpool 8 years ago. Add in the fact that his style of play essentially a target man with strength who can hold off defenders and deliver a good final ball to quicker team mates like Borini or Suarez. While more renowned for his assists ratio last season Heskey scored only 1 goal in 29 games last season consequently not having his contract renewed. Remarkably he had zero assists. My opinion no matter how good his current conditioning clearly he has struggled at premiership level recently. Unless something has clearly changed for Heskey this Summer its difficult to compose an argument as to how he could positively affect Liverpool right now.
What would the Kop think ?
Heskey was a marmite type figure while at Liverpool some appreciated his unselfish contribution to the team while others queried his goal ratio. Honestly I think most Liverpool fans would accept the logic of the decision given his style of play and hard working nature. Whether they would have confidence in the move baring fruit is another thing.
How much will it cost ?
Its likely that Heskey due to his reasonable CV of club and international football will have opportunities abroad possibly to the tune of 30k per week. Would that be worth the risk right now for a player struggling for confidence?
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