Premier League - Benitez defends Johnson price

Eurosport - Tue, 23 Jun 14:10:00 2009

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has defended his decision to pay over the odds for right-back Glen Johnson, even though he admitted the deal has cost him more than he had hoped.

FOOTBALL Portsmouth full back Glen Johnson, linked with a a move to Chelsea - 0

The Portsmouth defender has agreed to move to Anfield and he is expected to formally sign a contract in the next couple of days. Reports suggest the transfer is costing £17 million, although much of that will be written off because of money still owed by Pompey after Peter Crouch's move to Fratton Park last summer.

"Sometimes you have to spend a little bit more," said the Liverpool boss. "You can't compete in the top four of the Premier League unless you spend some money."

He added: "We were looking for a player of quality and also somebody who is British because of the new Champions League rules. Glen Johnson fits both categories."

The fact Benitez has been able to make his first summer signing will help fend off claims the club are in financial trouble.

Kop Holdings, the club's parent company, posted a £42.6m loss in the year to August 2008 but concerns over the £350m loan taken out by American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett to buy Liverpool appear to have lessened after reports on Tuesdsy suggested a refinancing package had been agreed.

Benitez is confident he will make other signings, although he may spend more of his time trying to hang on to the likes of Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa and Javier Mascherano who have all been linked with moves to Real Madrid and Barcelona.

"We have a plan. We can sign one more player if necessary, but that's without any players leaving," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"Alvaro Arbeloa has had a very good season but he has one year left on his contract.

"If he signs that will be good because we will have more competition, but if we get a good offer we will have to consider it."

PA Sport

Comment 146 - 165 of 165

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  1. UTD SCRAPED THE TITLE COULDN"T BEAT ANYONE IN THE­ TOP FOUR AND GOT BATTERED BY LIVERPOOL TWICE THEY­ WON'T BE SO LUCK THIS TIME

    From petergriffiths334, on Thu 25 Jun 9:03AM

  2. Don't get this top four s'hit Man U, Arsenal­­­ and Chelski top three Liverpool never won the PL­­­ although they should get a special mention for the­­­ amount of times they said they are gonna win it,­ which­­ is also the biggest PL joke of all time HA!!

    From Pete H, on Wed 24 Jun 11:24AM

  3. i think glen will b a good signin..chelsea wanted him­ back but glen picked a real club..well done glen­ ....and 1 of the reason he didnt make it at chelsea was­ because jose came and brought feirra wit him ..he never­ had a chance

    From johnsack27, on Wed 24 Jun 8:37AM

  4. he dives to the left,
    he dives to the right
    that boy­ ronaldo thinks utd are sh--e

    From robertclark705, on Wed 24 Jun 8:33AM

  5. There's going to be a RAFALUTION this coming­ season... Believe that!

    From Munya, on Wed 24 Jun 6:55AM

  6. Hey Starman - Thierry Henry was a Juventus reject and­ he turned out alright

    From Roddenberry, on Wed 24 Jun 6:51AM

  7. chelsea reject?blergh..chelsea was too stupid that dont­ know how to use johnson abilities.when they realise it,­ it was too late, if he is chelsea reject and chelsea­ dont want him again why they bother bid for­ johnson?
    17m is a lot, but i think thats how english­ player worth, only barry and heskey is cheaper than him­ for 1st eleven of england internationl.
    good deal rafa,­ in rafa we trust!

    From zack p, on Wed 24 Jun 5:01AM

  8. darren m just one question-Do youever watch premier­ league football?

    From tri_mur, on Wed 24 Jun 4:57AM

  9. ARSENAL doesn't spend much and still in the TOP­ FOUR. . . .
    Who says you need to spend big. . .

    From expensive, on Wed 24 Jun 4:52AM

  10. See, despite LFC not financially capable to compete­ with Chelsea and in this case we're getting a­ reject from Chelsea we're still improving.­ Different players perform differently playing in diff­ teams & league. or with diff tactics.

    From c, on Wed 24 Jun 3:44AM

  11. Chelsea reject at 17M hee-hee ha ha. Really folks if he­ was GOOD Chelsea would never have let him go in the­ first place. Yes he is a threat and a decent right­ sided player, but not a good defender.

    From starman_123, on Wed 24 Jun 2:56AM

  12. johnson wud be the best signing ever..liverpool could­ stay no 2 this coming season..

    From perfect_shy, on Wed 24 Jun 2:54AM

  13. As a blue I love this hate between reds!! CFC!!!

    From dustin, on Wed 24 Jun 1:42AM

  14. Great signing for a young versatile player!!! The Reds­ can even play him on defense and the midfield.
    Keep it­ up BENITEZ.
    YOU WILL NEVER WALK ALONE.

    From Gidy, on Wed 24 Jun 1:20AM
  15. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    I AM THE ONE AND ONLY

    From darren m, on Wed 24 Jun 1:16AM

  16. luck thats all manutd got nxt season no ron no tevez­ but theyve got the best 2 ball watchers in the game­ vidic and ferdinand

    From jamessherwin, on Wed 24 Jun 1:16AM
  17. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    Good Night all

    From darren m, on Wed 24 Jun 1:02AM

  18. I believe Johnson should be a good signing and despite­ the doom mungers in the press and on this site­ Liverpool seem to be spending and getting their­ targets,unlike united who have been very very­ quiet
    losing players instead of strengthening
    it can­ only bode well for the new season

    From darren m, on Wed 24 Jun 1:00AM

  19. now now CHILDREN!! ISNT IT PAST YA BEDTIMES OR SUMMAT!!

    From PAUL F, on Wed 24 Jun 12:26AM

  20. LIVERPOOL FOR LEAGUE TITLE HA HA HA HA HA 19 20 21 22­ 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 YNWA YNWA YNWA

    From sophiecannell, on Wed 24 Jun 12:17AM
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