Liverpool Transfer News: Why Sebastián Coates Is a Great Signing for the Reds

With the Transfer Window soon coming to a close, Kenny Dalglish has continued to add to a busy summer by adding Sebastián Coates.

Coates, 20, impressed during the Copa America with Uruguay where he captured the Best Young Player Award.  He  attracted interest from a number of top clubs, but Liverpool was always leading the pack.

Coates may be relatively unknown to many of the Reds fans, but he is a solid pick-up for several reasons.

Youth

At the meager age of 20, Coates joins youngsters Jordan Henderson, Martin Kelly, John Flanagen, Jay Spearing and others as part of Liverpool's future.  He has plenty of time to develop into a world class defender, and if not, he will still have some re-sale value.

Fee

Although the fee Liverpool paid to Nacional is undisclosed, it is rumored to be around £7 million.  If Coates meets even half of his potential, then he well justifies his transfer fee.  However, if he progresses as Dalglish expects, Coates will have been an absolute steal.

Size

The Uruguay international measures in at about 6'6''.  A player of his size will be well suited to the more physical game of the EPL.  He will be a serious aerial threat in dead ball situations, as well as a strong aerial presence when defending corner and spot kicks.

Cover

With an aging Jamie Carragher, fading Martin Skrtel and inconsistent Daniel Agger, Liverpool surely needed additional cover at centre back, especially after the departure of Sotirios Kyrgiakos.  A player of Coates' quality coming off the bench will certainly be a welcome sight by the Liverpool faithful.    

Environment

Liverpool offers a phenomenal environment for Coates' development.  Despite being a top club, Liverpool, namely Kenny Dalglish, consistently offers the youth in the club opportunities to impress with the first team.  This will translate into decent time on the pitch for Coates.  Additionally, Coates can learn a lot from his defensive partners.  Much like Diego Lugano on the Uruguay national team, Carragher can offer Coates his advice and experience, which will help the 20-year-old become a more consistent, solid, and durable centre back.