A transfer rumored to be in works for some eight months finally materialized into reality this summer. Last January, Liverpool reportedly bid £9M Glen Johnson only for Johnson to sign a new 4-year deal with Pompey. The rumors did not go away, and, in April, there was a strong belief that Liverpool were going to launch a sizeable bid to get their man.

Liverpool beat off Chelsea and Man City to sign Johnson on June 26 for a reported fee of £17.5m. Liverpool’s new full-back, according to many of the first team regulars and past player alike, is seemingly the ‘missing link’ to bring the title back to Anfield.

Johnson brings pace, power and experience to Liverpool’s lineup. Voted the 2008/2009 right-back of the season, Liverpool have made an astute capture in Johnson. He was the only player selected outside of Man Utd, Chelsea, Villa and Liverpool to be voted onto the PFA team of the year for last season. He is a versatile player who can play in either full-back position and can also operate as a right-sided midfielder. He is also English. It is no secret that Rafa Benitez is keen to sign more home-grown British players. Under Benitez’ tutelage, Johnson can grow into a world class player just as many other of Benitez’ signings have done over the past 5 years. Johnson’s spectacular left footed volley against Hull in November 2008 won him the goal of the season award. If Johnson can maintain, or even improve upon, last season’s performances, then he will surely be a hit at Anfield and again finish the season as the best right-back in the country.