Liverpool Transfer News: Stewart Downing Move Makes Sense for All Parties

Stewart Downing did not have the career at Liverpool that many expected, but his latest transfer will be best for everyone involved.

West Ham United announced Tuesday on their official website that Downing will be joining the club, accompanied by this quote from the veteran:

"

I'm very excited. It's a great opportunity for me being here, it's a great Club and I'm really excited to get going. I'm ready and I'm fit for the first game against Cardiff City.

It's all happened quickly, but I'm really excited and hoping to play a part on Saturday.

"

The reason he is excited is that he will finally get regular playing time in a spot where he can be successful. This is something he was not guaranteed at Liverpool.

Downing made only 25 starts in Premier League matches last season, totaling three goals and five assists. He lost his regular role on the first team and was often used out of position when he did play.

Last season, the man who used to be known for his offensive creativity was used as a left-back a few times when the team needed it.

With West Ham, the 29-year-old player will get a chance to get onto the pitch and help a club that needs offense wherever it can get it. He can also join former teammate Andy Carroll, who is clearly excited about the move according to this tweet:

Each player could be considered a disappointment at Liverpool after coming over on high transfer fees. However, Downing can get a fresh start with this new club without the high expectations that were placed upon him when he came to Anfield.

On the other hand, this is a low-risk move for West Ham as they look to climb up the table after a 10th-place finish last season. The veteran has shown plenty of talent in the past at Middlesbrough and Aston Villa, and the club hopes to recapture some of that ability.

If he struggles, the squad can feel comfortable in the fact that the cost was relatively low for a player of his experience. The official numbers are unknown, but Alex Hankin of Mirror Football reports that a tag of £6 million was placed on the winger.

The biggest loser in this situation is Liverpool, who suffered a big loss in investment after bringing Downing in for £20 million two years ago. However, this sale is the best move for the future of the club.

As manager Brendan Rodgers looks to give more playing time to young stars like Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho, it leaves fewer opportunities for Downing to get onto the pitch. It does not make sense to pay a high wage to keep him on the bench for most of the year.

Additionally, any transfer value that he had would only go down as he continued to get left off the first team.

Selling Downing to a fellow Premier League club might hurt this season—especially if he ends up scoring and creating goals—but it is a better long-term move for Liverpool to allow the future stars to develop.

The club is doing a great job of cutting its losses and moving on after a poor decision. It also leaves both West Ham and Downing with an excellent chance to improve this season, making the transfer a perfect move for everyone involved. 

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