Liverpool Transfer News: Reds Blocking Transfers to Send Dirk Kuyt out
Robert Pace@Robert_Pace
Contributor IIIJanuary 29, 2012
News surfaced from the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf this Saturday that Liverpool is blocking all current transfer deals to sell Dutch winger Dirk Kuyt.
Although Kuyt has played a key role on the Liverpool squad and recently scored a late goal that edged the Reds past Manchester United in the FA Cup, there has been a buzz that Kuyt is unhappy with his current role on the team under new manager Kenny Dalglish.
Although teammate Luis Suarez has been suspended due to misconduct, Kuyt has not seen more time on the pitch. The 31-year-old may be unhappy with his new role on the team as a substitute, as he has been a member of the starting 11 15 times and has come on a substitute nine times.
Kuyt's agent Rob Jansen revealed the news, and claims that other clubs are interested in the striker who transferred to Liverpool in 2006 for €18 million.
"A large number of clubs in Europe have real interest in Dirk, and it is true that there are clubs in Italy. But Liverpool won't let Dirk go." said Jansen, adding that the issue would arise once again come this summer's transfer window.
Despite scoring six goals for the Netherlands national team, Kuyt has scored only two goals for Liverpool this season, none of which have been in the Premier League.
It's not merely his goal production that's waning but rather his entire offensive production, as Kuyt has only recorded one assist for the Reds this season.
Although he has maintained a rather peaceful relationship with Liverpool, it's unsure how Kuyt's current role on the team has affected him.
The Dutchman scored a total of 14 goals for the Reds last season, tying his Liverpool career high.
His role this year may have been met with some frustration, as Kuyt has been administered an uncharacteristically high three yellow cards in the Premier League thus far. This matter could also be attributed to a decrease in fitness.
Liverpool signed Kuyt to a contract extension in late summer, and his contract now extends until 2013.
"He scores goals and it's as simple as that, and often in major competitions or at crucial moments," manager Kenny Dalglish said after the extension was signed in August 2011.
"Dirk is happy with the extension, and I am sure we will enjoy having him."