Liverpool seal second January deal with capture of prolific striker

Liverpool have dipped their toes into the January transfer market for a second time already after moving to secure Brentford youngster Joe Hardy.

The 21-year-old, who was previously at Manchester City, has fired in an astonishing 40 goals in 80 matches for the Bees’ second team, including three in five matches so far this season.

But despite his prowess in front of goal, the striker has yet to make an appearance for the Bees first team.

However, that hasn’t stopped Liverpool taking a chance on the Wirral-born youngster, with Hardy now making the dream move to the European champions for an undisclosed fee.

Brentford B boss Neil MacFarlane confirmed the move, telling his club’s website:  “He’s perhaps come to the end of his time with the club in terms of the strategy, and to go to a club the size of Liverpool can only be good for him.

“The club are flying at the moment, they’re European champions, and potential Premier League winners, so being in and around that environment can only be good for Joe.

“He’s certainly going from an environment here that has prepared him properly.”

Hardy becomes the club’s second signing of the transfer window following the addition of Takumi Minamino from Red Bull Salzburg.

Jurgen Klopp threw his new signing into the starting line-up in the FA Cup win over Everton and the Japan international lasted 70 minutes before being replaced by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

“Super, outstanding. Exactly the player we wanted, exactly the player we wished for,” was Klopp’s verdict on Minamino’s debut.

 

However, BBC pundit Alan Shearer believes he will fit in perfectly to Klopp’s side, if he is afforded the opportunities.

“He scored [at Anfield against Liverpool], 24 years of age,” Shearer said on the BBC.

“When you look at the price that they’ve paid for him, just over £7m was his release clause, he’ll fit perfectly I think into this Liverpool team – It’s going to be very difficult to get into it.

“In terms of where he plays he can play anywhere along that forward line.

“He’s already got nine goals this season so what an opportunity for him, starting with today.”

Wolves, meanwhile, have stuck a lofty price on the head of one of their star attackers after he was linked with a transfer to Anfield.