:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47069782/GettyImages-453478826.0.jpg)
Early, reliable reports on deadline day claimed that Liverpool had agreed a fee with West Bromwich Albion to take Joe Enrique on a permanent deal. However, the player’s preference for a move to Sunderland soon put the transfer in doubt, and despite having agreed a fee, West Brom began to distance themselves from any reported desire to capture the player.
Now, journalists with ties to Liverpool are reporting any the deal to the Baggies is officially off. A fee was accepted, and Enrique was in contact with West Brom, but there is now zero chance of the move taking place. What’s less clear is how much of a chance there is of the 29-year-old left back making his way to Sunderland—a move that won’t sit well with many Newcastle fans.
Enrique arrived on Merseyside from Newcastle in 2011 and quickly established himself as the Reds' starting left back, but in recent seasons injuries have seen him become more of a social media personality than football player. Earlier this summer, though, he claimed to be fully fit, to have put his injury troubles behind him, and to be ready again to play a significant role for a club.
It never looked likely that club would be Liverpool, as shortly afterwards he was sent to train on his own with Fabio Borini and Mario Balotelli. Both players have since moved on, and earlier today it looked certain that Enrique would soon be joining them. He may still, of course, with a move to reunite with fellow outcast Borini at Sunderland possible despite the Newcastle connection.
However, West Brom were the only confirmed club interested in him—the only side that had made an official bid, and a bid that had been accepted by Liverpool no less—and with only hours left to go in the window it now appears possible he will be stuck training on his own at Anfield for a while longer.
