Liverpool Transfer News: How Does Jose Enrique Impact the Reds' Roster?

Liverpool have finally signed the player they believe was the missing piece on their roster in Newcastle United left-back Jose Enrique. 

The 25-year-old Spaniard has been at or near the top of manager Kenny Dalglish's wish list all summer long, as the Reds hunted for the answer to their longtime issues at left back. With a severe dearth of healthy defenders courtesy of preseason injury, the back line at Anfield was thinner than ever, forcing Dalglish to pull the trigger to get some help. 

According to a report from Mirror Football, the 25-year-old defender will cost the Reds just £6 million, with his salary believed to be in the £64,000 per week range.

But what does that mean for the rest of the Reds' roster? 

Frankly, there won't be a ton of roster turnover as a result of the move. Dalglish lacked anyone capable of playing left-back with any skill for most of last season, which prompted his decision to chase the 25-year-old defender. 

It does bump Glen Johnson to the bench in all likelihood, meaning that the Reds actually have a bit of depth along the back line capable of stepping in and providing solid defense, something that wasn't the case in any way, shape or form last season. Players like Martin Kelly also find themselves shuffled down the pecking order, as Enrique is likely to take most of the starts the 21-year-old would have gotten at left-back. 

But the changes don't just apply to the current roster; with Enrique in the fold, Liverpool could well be done wheeling and dealing for the summer. Sure, there was talk that Scott Dann would be coming to bolster the central defense, but even that could be impacted by Enrique's signing. 

Consider: the Reds have already dropped £54 million in the transfer window this summer. Dann is believed to cost £6 to £8 million to pry from Birmingham. While he would undoubtedly bolster the defense, grabbing him would see the Reds' costs shoot above the £60 million mark for the summer, with very little leaving the club thus far. 

Anfield's director of football, Damien Comolli, confirmed as much to Mirror Football on Friday. 

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"You can never say never, but it is likely," he said when asked whether there would be any more arrivals. "I am convinced we were right in what we wanted to do. We've strengthened all the areas we wanted to strengthen with quality.

"I think there is a lot of debate about transfer fees paid - not just with Liverpool but throughout the Premier League.

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So, while Comolli seems to put the kaibosh on Liverpool's moves, there is still a chance. Either way, it's clear that Enrique has done a solid job of ensuring that the Reds aren't going to be actively pursuing any more big deals this summer. 

In the end, the biggest change Enrique makes on the Reds' roster is that he improves it. He's one of the better left-backs in the Premiership, and he immediately strengthens Liverpool's defense with his presence on the roster.

He provides Dalglish with flexibility for more versatile players like Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly, while giving the club a massive upgrade at a position of need, for a relatively cheap price.

Enrique's the right man for the Reds' defense, and should thrive at the Kop for his entire tenure.