Rafael Benitez: The Transfer Truth

(Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

We’re always being told about Rafael Benitez’s poor transfer record.

I’ve already commented repeatedly on his lack of funds in his time at Liverpool, and the fact that he’s built an entire squad out of funds gotten from player sales, but what’s the truth about his transfer record?

Has he signed a series of duds that have drained the Liverpool transfer kitty dry? Here’s a definitive breakdown of every major Benitez signing. You’ll find how much they cost, what they sold for, and a brief history of their Liverpool careers.

I hope you’ll find it as interesting as I did, and that it sheds some light on what Benitez has done in his time at Liverpool, as part of the larger picture of building a club from the ashes of UEFA Cup mediocrity.

2004-'05

Luis Garcia (In £6m, Out £4m)—Scored some fantastic goals for Liverpool, including five on the way to the Champions League victory in Istanbul.

Xabi Alonso (In £10.5m)—Signed as a relative unknown from Real Sociedad in Rafa’s first season. Now a mainstay of the current side, courted by Europe’s elite.

Antonio Nunez (In free, Out undisclosed)—More or less forced on Rafa Benitez as part of the deal to take Michael Owen to Real Madrid in 2004, Nunez never adapted to the English game, and returned to Spain after one season.

Josemi (In £2m, Out player swap)—Signed as cover for Steve Finnan, Josemi never adapted to English life and was later swapped for Jan Kromkamp.

Fernando Morientes (In £6.3m, Out £3m)—Signed as a proven goalscorer, Morientes never quite adjusted to the English game.

Scott Carson (In £750k, Out £3.25m)—Signed as cover for Jerzy Dudek, but decided to leave when he found opportunities slim behind Pepe Reina. Sold for a profit of £2.5m.

Mauricio Pellegrino (In free, Out free)—Signed towards the end of his career to give experience to the backline. Struggled to adapt to the pace of England, but nonetheless had a major effect behind the scenes in an unofficial coaching role, which was cemented when he became first-team coach in 2008.

2005-'06

Jose Reina (In £6m)—Signed as an unknown to English fans from Villareal. Currently seen as one of the best goalkeepers in world football, who has won the Golden Gloves in England three times in four years.

Jan Kromkamp (In free, Out undisclosed)—Struggled to adapt to England and the English language, Kromkamp was sold to PSV Eindhoven after a single season.

Boudewijn Zenden (In free, Out free)—Signed as temporary cover for the left-wing in 2005, Zenden’s time at Liverpool was marked by injury.

Peter Crouch (In £7m, Out £11m)—A publicly mocked player and shock signing in 2005, Crouch became an instant fan favourite, scoring crucial goals in the Champions League, and was later sold for a tidy profit of £4m.

Dan Agger (In £5.8m)—An unknown defender signed from Brondby, Agger is now being courted by some of Europe’s biggest clubs including AC Milan.

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