Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson says that he expects his former club to finally sell defender Glen Johnson during the January transfer window. The former Chelsea right back was brought to Liverpool in 2009 for £ 16 million from Portsmouth. He has been a major hit at Anfield after being first-team regular from the start. Johnson has not had much competition in his position, but this has finally changed after the arrival of Javi Manquillo in the summer. The Atletico Madrid player may have joined only a loan deal, but Liverpool have the option to buy him on a permanent basis in the summer.
Looking at the performances of the young Spaniard, it is looking highly likely that Liverpool will not think twice about parting with the £ 6 million transfer fee thought to be demanded by Atletico.
Johnson is on the wrong side of 30 and his performances in recent months have not inspired a lot of confidence in the team. A succession of injury problems coupled with poor form have seen Johnson lose his first-team spot to the likes of Javi Manquillo. Lawrenson also says that manager Brendan Rodgers does have enough options in the youth academy with the likes of Jon Flanagan pushing for a starting spot.
“Roy Hodgson effectively called time on Glen Johnson’s England career last week. And I wouldn’t be surprised if the right-back finds himself heading elsewhere in the New Year. Having not yet been given a new contract, it’s clear Johnson is not part of Liverpool’s long-term plans, with Javi Manquillo and, when fit, Jon Flanagan vying for the right-back slot.
Johnson can walk away from Anfield for nothing in the summer.So I’d expect the Reds to look to cash in on him in January,” said Lawrenson. Johnson’s contract expires in the summer and there have been no new talks.
