So with Liverpool pouncing to snap up Manchester City defender Kolo Toure on a free transfer, a direct replacement for Kop legend Jamie Carragher has been found.
Or something like that.
The Anfield club announced the deal on their website today, with Toure set to sign for Liverpool when his contract with City expires on July 1.
But what do we all think about this one?
Financially it seems like a good deal. You get a player who excelled whilst at Arsenal and then got a big money move to Manchester City.
Toure played over 100 times for City but after being banned for failing a drugs test, his career at the Etihad never quite got going again. He will be hoping he can regain form and fitness at Liverpool.
The 32-year-old defender will become the first Ivorian to play for the Reds and will add plenty of steel and depth to their defense. But is this the type of signing Liverpool fans would want to see? Probably not.
Yes, Toure has won three FA Cups and two EPL titles. But last season he made just 15 appearances and just 14 the season before that. He was on the fringes at City and several niggling injuries pushed him way down the pecking order.
(More: Toure could be a cheeky buy for Liverpool)
However, despite all that Toure’s versatility will help out Liverpool as he can operate across the back line and even in midfield if necessary. The Ivory Coast star is also comfortable on the ball which will help with Brendan Rodgers’ passing mentality at Anfield, but can Toure keep Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger out of the team?
The answer is no. I think Toure is, and should be, a great backup option for Liverpool. That said, if one of the aforementioned duo has a shaky game, Toure could step in and keep his place in the squad.
Liverpool fans should expect plenty of bigger names to arrive this summer, as Rodgers aims for the top four next season. Adding Toure is a bit of a strange one, but with no transfer fee and heaps of experience, if he can stay fit Toure will give Liverpool two or three seasons of great service.
Shrewd move or scrambling for a bargain gone wrong? You decide.
