Liverpool Transfer News: Liverpool Would Be Wise to Let Aquilani Stay at Milan

Liverpool doesn't have much use for Alberto Aquilani, as they've proven over the last two years. It only makes sense to let him remain where he's comfortable—and at least somewhat useful.

Liverpool loaned the 27-year-old midfielder to Milan in August with a buy-out clause that would have been activated if Aquilani made 25 appearances in the season, which he didn't. As a result, Milan has no requirement to sign him for £6 million—but Aquilani has made no secret of the fact that he wishes they would.

In 2009, the injury-prone Aquilani signed from Roma for £16 million, but after battling a variety of injuries, he was loaned to Juventus the following year before being loaned to Milan in August. Now, he's due to return to Liverpool, but he hasn't abandoned the idea that he could find a way to stay put.

His production has been limited this season—he's scored one goal in 23 appearances with the club—but given his potential and his desire to stay, signing outright with Milan isn't out of the question.

There are, however, injury concerns that could hamper Milan's willingness to trigger Aquilani's clause, and unless they do, Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish wants him back. He told ESPNSoccernet: 

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If they don't activate the clause, he will be back here. At the end of the day if they don't want him then he'll come back here as he's our player. We've done everything right from our side so how they want to play it and what they want to do—that's up to them. If they don't want him, tell the boy you don't want him. They will do what they have to do. If they don't trigger it or they don't want him, it's not a problem. I'll be disappointed for the boy but he will come back here. 

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It doesn't make sense to waste the potential of a good player who's been limited by injuries, but it also doesn't make sense to force that player to be part of a team he doesn't necessarily fit with.

Liverpool doesn't lose anything by getting him back, even if Aquilani—who has two years remaining on his contract—doesn't want to be there.

More likely than not, he'll end up back in Liverpool, and he'll make do. Often, the sensible option isn't the one that prevails.