JAMIE CARRAGHER believes Liverpool’s transfer policy to invest in young players will pay dividends as he backed Jordan Henderson to be a big hit at Anfield.
The Reds are building for the future and principal owner John Henry has insisted they ‘are not going to be successful by merely filling short-term needs’.
Their strategy was underlined by the acquisition of 21-year-old Henderson for £16million from Sunderland, while deals for Blackpool’s Charlie Adam, 25, and Aston Villa’s Stewart Downing, 26, are in the pipeline.
Vice-captain Carragher has backed the owners’ plans ahead of the return to pre-season training on Monday.
“The club now has a policy of focusing attention on young players and I think that’s the right way for clubs to go,” he said.
“You want to develop a team and have players at the club for a long time. I think that approach will really benefit us.
“Things don’t always work out, but it’s much easier to move on a younger player who still has a decent sell-on value than someone in their 30s.”
Carragher is confident England Under-21 international Henderson will prove his worth.
“Jordan is a great signing,” he added. “I know one of the coaches at Sunderland who rates Jordan very highly. He had a great season with Sunderland and we’re fortunate to have got him. I think he will add real energy to our midfield.”
Fans have been waiting for more additions to Kenny Dalglish’s squad.
The expected purchase of Ipswich striker Connor Wickham failed to materialise after the Reds declined to meet the asking price and he joined Sunderland instead.
However, Carragher insists patience is key.
“It’s still very early and I didn’t expect too much to happen on the transfer front before now,” he said.
“Over the summer players, managers, chief executives and owners are all away on holiday.
“It’s only the start of July and with pre-season getting going next week I’m sure things will soon start moving.
“You often find that one deal sets it off and everything happens from there.
“I’m sure it will kick off over the next few weeks and hopefully we’ll get a couple more new faces in.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool will play Championship side Hull City in a friendly at the KC Stadium on Saturday, July 23 (3pm). They also face China’s Guangdong Sunray Cave on July 13, a Malaysia XI on July 16, Valerenga away on August 1 and Valencia at home on August 6.
