Liverpool FC: Alberto Aquilani Situation Presents Opportunity to Strengthen

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish commented earlier this week that he would welcome the return of Alberto Aquilani to Anfield with open arms.

At the end of the current season, the Italian midfielder's loan spell at Juventus will be up, and he will be a Liverpool player once more. Aquilani has come out and re-stated his desire to remain in Turin, but simply put, it isn't up to him.

When he was first shipped off to Italy on loan, a provision in the deal stated that Juventus could take up the option to buy Aquilani for £13 million. This is now the sticking point.

With the former heavyweights struggling for finances, manager Luigi Delneri is keen for both clubs to thrash out a reduced fee. Aquilani has slotted in well and has played a major part in Juventus' slow reversal of fortunes.

Aquilani signed a five-year contract at Anfield in 2009, and Liverpool have the final say on how this matter will play out. The player is clearly more at home in Italy, although his lack of any injury this term should give Liverpool fans food for thought.

Next season is a clear opportunity to see the playmaker that Rafa Benitez spent £20 million on to replace Xabi Alonso.

Dalglish has called for Fenway Sports Group to continue their investment in the squad to compliment emerging talent from the academy. The opportunity to re-integrate a player of Aquilani's caliber should not be passed up.

Nobody will argue that Benitez is a better man-manager than Dalglish, and nobody should bet against the Scot bringing out the best in the Italian.

Raul Meireles took no more than a couple games to adjust to the Premier League, and there is no reason that Aquilani couldn't flourish in an improving Liverpool team.

Considering the season-ending injury to Steven Gerrard, the dearth in creative influence in Liverpool's midfield is clear. While both Jay Spearing and Lucas Leiva have had stellar campaigns this far, a little craft would compliment this steel nicely.

Aquilani fleetingly impressed during his limited chances under Benitez. Alongside Meireles, and especially the imagination and skill of Luis Suarez, the Italian's ability to pick out a pass and create chances will serve at the least to give Liverpool another option.

If Dalglish means to push higher in the league and at the same time compete for other trophies, strength in depth is paramount.

The other side of the coin is to see this as a clear opportunity to recuperate some of the money to be put to better use elsewhere.

It remains to be seen whether Juventus will be able to come up with the £13 million to keep Aquilani permanently. If the money does come in, this could go directly into Liverpool target Charlie Adam, who couldn't be snatched from Blackpool's clutches in the winter.

Even if Liverpool settle for lower than the previously agreed fee with the Italian club, any amount of money gained from the midfielder's sale will be put toward another player.

Injuries to Gerrard and Daniel Agger as well as impotence on the flanks suggest the need for three new faces at Anfield in three positions. Selling a player who clearly wants to remain in Italy will aid in this pursuit.

Regardless of the outcome on either path, the expiration of Aquilani's loan spell represents a clear reason for optimism. Whether or not he returns to Anflield, Liverpool should emerge with a stronger squad next season.