Liverpool Transfer News: Craig Bellamy Will Flourish Again at Anfield

I once derided Kenny Dalglish for targeting Liverpool castoff Craig Bellamy. I couldn't see how one bad stint deserved another.

I have changed my mind.

Liverpool pulled off a shocking move in securing Bellamy from Manchester City just moments before the deadline passed. 

The transfer fee has not yet been disclosed, but City paid £14 million for the Welsh striker in 2009. City would have no doubt received pittance for a player that they were very keen on releasing.

So what changed?

This is the same player that went after former teammate John Arne Riise with a golf club. Bellamy is the same player that quarreled behind the scenes with then-Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez. 

I couldn't see how Dalglish could spend time and money on a player that has failed to stick on one club for very long. 

Before you know it, Bellamy is sent off or out of favor. His pedigree was never a question; his resolve very much was. 

The Daily Mail reported Bellamy spurned a late offer from Tottenham to return to Anfield. That was the last piece of evidence I needed. I was amused when Wales coach Gary Speed offered to vouch for Bellamy ahead of the deadline.

His words painted the picture of a player very much in demand, even though he wasn't:

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"It is only natural Craig is going to be linked with top clubs because he is a top player. Liverpool are a fantastic club and if that is true and it comes off, that would be great."

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What turned the plot was seeing Bellamy rush to get a Liverpool transfer complete. He wasn't the least bit interested in a Spurs revival, although they would have been a great fit.

He couldn't be swayed by a City stay, even if they changed their made-up minds. No, Bellamy wanted Liverpool from the moment the rumour started. 

This is a man that understands things were not as they were supposed to be on the first go. He is driven to correct his mistakes, and that gives me confidence that his second Liverpool stay will erase his first. 

The Reds are getting a player who is committed to club first and player second. That makes Bellamy one dangerous asset.