Liverpool should let Fernando Torres leave Anfield

Fernando Torres’ transfer request marked the end of a mixed week for Liverpool supporters after having finally secured the services of Luis Suárez. But despite the uproar that ensued, Torres should be allowed to leave Merseyside.

The 26-year-old’s commitment to Liverpool in the past cannot be questioned. The Spain international was coveted by Europe’s top clubs following two prolific seasons at Anfield but despite Liverpool’s dramatic decline, Torres remained loyal to the club that helped him become one of the most feared marksmen in Europe.

After having been convinced to stay at Anfield last summer, it would be wrong to now deny Torres a move to Chelsea – a club currently far better equipped to match the Spaniard’s ambition.

The obvious difficulty for Liverpool supporters is that he would be joining a bitter league rival. But though his request may be dismaying for fans, if Liverpool’s valuation -believed to be £50m -is met by Roman Abramovich’s Chelsea, a deal should be done.

Suárez’s arrival would provide an immediate replacement – and the possibility of Nicolas Anelka or Daniel Sturridge arriving as part of the deal would give further options in attack.

Liverpool, after all, have lost a prolific striker in the past and gone on to better things. Twenty-four years after replacing Kevin Keegan Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is generally regarded as the greatest ever player to don the club’s colours.

Of course, the prospect of a Suárez -Torres partnership will excite Reds fans. The pair could add real spark to a Liverpool side too often devoid of invention. The duo have scored a combined total of 130 league goals for their respective clubs over the past three seasons, and added to the return of the suspended Steven Gerrard and the continued improvement of Raul Meireles, they could at last provide fans with some real hope of an Anfield revival.

But Chelsea’s £35m offer has clearly turned Torres’ head towards Stamford Bridge and despite Liverpool having immediately rejected his request, it is clear he wants to leave.

This is a crucial period for Liverpool. The Fenway Sports Group’s purchase of the club followed by the instalment of club legend Dalglish as manager has injected renewed enthusiasm and determination into into the club.

And with the rebuilding process under way, the club is in need of players who are fully focused on an exciting project – not with one eye elsewhere.