Is Glen Johnson going to be the missing piece in the jigsaw to help Liverpool win the Championship or Champions League next season? Probably not but the 17.5 million pound acquisition of the England full-back from Portsmouth is certainly going to give the Reds more depth and strength. Rafa Benitez has already made it clear that we can expect one or two more important signings and though he insists Alvaro Arbeloa is still wanted at Liverpool, a bid from Real Madrid would put some extra cash into the coffers. Expect that to be on the table any day soon.

Johnson, still only 24, has made great strides over the last year or two, winning a regular place in the England team and looking a great prospect for the future. Although he was important at Chelsea, he was given limited chances but proved his worth following his move to Portsmouth in 2007.

Pompey paid four million pounds for Johnson and his outstanding season at Fratton Park pushed his price tag up more than four-fold. However, Benitez said it was well worth spending out a bit more than anticipated to bring in a player he regards as very good and still improving. Benitez told the Liverpool FC website that his first priority was to improve the team and bring in players of quality. However, it was also important for the Champions League onslaught that Johnson is English.

Benitez said his pre-signing conversations with the right-back were very impressive. He liked his mentality and described him as a winner who wants to continue to get better. Manchester City and Chelsea obviously felt the same as both had been challenging for Johnson.

On this occasion, there was no dragging of feet by Liverpool who proved just how much they wanted him by acting swiftly and without delay. The 17.5 million price tag is likely to prove quite a bargain, given today’s crazy market and should Johnson ever decide to leave Liverpool in due course, the board should get a good return for their money. However, Johnson’s deal is for four years and given no injuries and continued form, he’s almost certain to become a regular in the squad.

Arbeloa, meantime, has just one year left on his contract and must be feeling pushed out, despite Benitez’s assurances. He joined Liverpool in January 2007 for 2.6 million from Deportivo La Coruna and that price tag is going to be considerably multiplied. Fans are saying the Reds still need another big name to finalise their squad in order to take the title away from Manchester United or to lift the European Cup. What a shame David Villa has opted to stay at Valencia. Or has he?