Opportunism Gone Wild
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and buying what you don't need.
I wanted to dedicate this post to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, I really did. But I’m trying not to fall into the trap of writing about every single player linked with a transfer to Merseyside, at least until something more concrete emerges regarding a bid or a deal being agreed.
But the Georgian did inspire this post. It remains to be seen whether the Reds will actually sign him this month, but regardless, their interest has been confirmed, and that offers some insight into how Richard Hughes intends to do business at Anfield.
“We will always look to be opportunistic,” said the Reds sporting director in the summer.
I wrote a piece on the idea of transfer opportunism just a few weeks ago. You can read that here. Overall, the single most important thing is buying good players, that was the crux of my point.
The moment you start accidentally investing in players who aren’t quite as good as you first thought, that’s when the problems emerge. That’s when you start taking backwards steps.
For that reason, I’m generally in favour of an approach that prioritises the level of the target versus one that involves having tunnel vision for one specific need. You still have to address your glaring needs along the way, of course, but if you’re Liverpool, it’s all about hoarding elite players.
Once the Kvaratskhelia news broke, many supporters initially reacted by asking for a new left-back instead. Perhaps Arne Slot needs a midfielder, too. What about a centre-back?
Listen, I realise we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to left-sided forwards, but we’re talking about difference makers here. The guys in the final third earn the most because they tend to win trophies for you.
There are thousands of players on the market, but only a tiny percentage of them are truly good enough to play at the business end of the pitch for Liverpool on a regular basis. You also have to be under a certain age, and you need to be attainable.
You’re talking about finding a needle in a haystack in that sense, so when a player like Kvaratskhelia becomes available, you pick up the phone — providing you’ve got the tools to tweak your squad — even if you do need a left-back a bit more urgently.
The same logic applies to the capture of Giorgi Mamardashvili. That’s what opportunism looks like. We don’t technically need you, but you’re boss and we can afford it. Hughes is just adding value to Liverpool’s portfolio.
People seem to be baffled by the reality that Liverpool might sign an attacker this month, but wait until the end of the campaign before getting a defender or a midfielder.
