Liverpool FC are delighted to confirm the signing of Joe Cole on a four-year deal.
The England midfielder has agreed personal terms with the Reds and will undergo a medical in the next 48 hours.
I don't know, that release just seems too wordy for me.
But it's from relatively nothing to something in the transfer market in the blink of an eye, and I think it's a good indication that there is at least some sort of ambition left. Cole was always going to attract attention after leaving Chelsea, so Liverpool being able to sign him up gives hope that the club aren't necessarily the pariah we've thought.
He's a creative, adaptable player who gives Liverpool another option in attacking midfield, and although he's struggled for fitness on more than one extended occasion, creative options are something that was sorely lacking at Anfield last season. And the free transfer means that the club aren't any worse off than they were prior to the signing, but the rumored £90,000 per week wages aren't going to anything to turn your nose at.
There's still plenty of needs left---the club are without a left back, desperately need depth at striker, and could use a biopsy of those in the front office---but this is an encouraging move. As I mentioned, that the club can compete for a high-level signing is a positive indicator and (in a whisper) might mean that the painful memories of 2009-2010 can start to fall by the wayside.
Welcome Joe Cole, and best of luck.