In a hugely surprising move, Liverpool are now willing to offer their failed full-back Alberto Moreno in their bid for Celtic’s emerging sensation Kieran Tierney. And this deal might not be as frivolous as it seems given Moreno’s previous European achievements with La Liga side Sevilla.
After proving their dominance and superiority over other sides in the Scottish Premiership, Brendan Rodgers will mainly compete for a better finish in the Champions League next season. And given the non-competitiveness of the league and their financial stature, Celtic have found it difficult to bring in big stars at Parkhead.
Last season, Rodgers had to mostly field Premier League rejects like Kolo Toure and Scott Sinclair, and big club loanees like Patrick Roberts, and still managed an Invincible campaign. Hence, Rodgers would surely give a second thought to an opportunity of having someone like Moreno at Parkhead next season.
Despite Celtic’s continuous unwillingness to let go of their star full-back, who has come up from their academy, the 20-year-old is bound to make a move out of Scotland sooner or later, given the huge demand he has in England. Tierney, although inexperienced, has the potential to reach the top level, something he can fulfil only if joins a better side.
And despite Moreno’s failure in England, he has more chances to be a success in Scotland by all means. Moreno made a hyped move to Liverpool back in 2014 when Brendan Rodgers was the coach and although he couldn’t bring out the best from him then, he would like to give it a try now.
At 24, he has a lot of time ahead of him and could be at his peak for the next five years at the least. A left-back by nature, Moreno can also play as a winger given his pace on and off the ball. He also has that technical prowess most Spanish players have and would add a different dimension to Celtic’s attack.
His career took a wrong turn in the Premier League because he could hardly cope with the rigour of the top-flight football here. He has played 72 times for Liverpool over the past three, managing three goals and assisting five times. Liverpool’s lack of options in that position has also forced him to be a bench player rather than playing in the Under 23s.
Making his debut for Spain back in 2013, when he was at his high point with Sevilla, but it has completely dried out after just three caps. He would be determined to prove himself before the World Cup and what better platform than the Champions League.
