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After a two month long race, Liverpool have secured the services of Joe Cole, after he was released by Chelsea at the end of his contract.  On paper, it’s a decent move by the Anfield side, as they now have another creative player to take the pressure off Steven Gerrard.  However, they’re paying plenty for the privilege; 90,000 pounds a week reportedly.

There were a number of teams interested in Cole, Arsenal and Tottenham among them.  But the trump card for Liverpool seemed to be that they could offer regular football, not possible at Champion’s League level clubs who are already well stocked with top class players.  They also offered more money, as this move doesn’t break their wage structure.  For the two North London clubs, it would have.

So it’s a decent move for Cole, but what about Liverpool?  They’re signing a player who suffered a serious injury 18 months ago, and then couldn’t regain his place last season, only starting 14 league games.  He was then benched by Fabio Capello and only brought on twice during the World Cup.  A lot is expected of him now, and there is a big chance that he will not be able to live up to it.

Symbolically, it is a lot bigger than what Cole’s impact will be on the pitch, because while Manchester Utd struggle with debt and Chelsea look to cut spending, Liverpool have made a big move to bring in an England international and proven winner. Roy Hodgson has proved that he can attract big name players, to fans and to members of the squad who are considering their futures.  Steven Gerrard has all but said that he will stay with the club, and that is a massive tonic for a club that needs to recover after leaving Europe’s top table.

But that will probably be the biggest effect of this signing, despite what the ex-Liverpool player dominated media will say.  Cole wants to play centrally and behind a striker, even though Gerrard already has that position to himself.  So look for him to play wider, just like he does with England and he did with Chelsea.  He may help Liverpool in patches, but only to a top six position, as it will take a lot more to lift this team back to its former place.

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