Mascherano completes long awaited move to Barcelona
Published:The revolving door must have been fitted on Saturday morning at Anfield, for as Javier Mascherano departed, Raul Meireles arrived as Roy Hodgson was kept busy on Saturday evening.
Javier Mascherano finally got his wish as Barcelona tabled an £18m bid to snap up the Argentine, leaving coach Pep Guardiola with an embarrassment of riches in the centre of midfield.
Mascherano will link up with fellow Argentinian and close friend Lionel Messi as Barcelona begin their assault on La Liga, of which they are 4/5 to win the title.
It brings to an end the summer speculation surrounding Mascherano and whilst the Liverpool fans may be sad to see him leave, turning out for Liverpool this term was obviously not an option in Mascherano’s mind.
Meanwhile, Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson immediately sought a replacement in the form of Portuguese international Raul Meireles and the Kop will be hoping that he can settle a lot better than Alberto Aquilani ever did.
Meireles has joined on a four year contract for a fee of £11.5m from FC Porto and Hodgson will hope he can provide support to Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres as Liverpool search to regain their place in the top four and launch a bid for the title, they are 18/1 to do so.
Paul Konchesky was spotted at Anfield during the Reds game with West Brom today and the left back is on the verge of completing a £3m switch from Fulham.
Hodgson has made a slow start to his Liverpool career but his new signings can spur them onto a title challenge. Follow the latest Barclays Premier League football betting markets here.
