Top 7 free transfers of all time – Liverpool
By David Gate
Number Five: Kolo Toure
The two-time Premier League winner came to Anfield as the first move of the 2013 summer transfer window. At 32-years-old he was brought in to be a squad player and provide cover and competition for first team pairing Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger. The further acquisition of Mamadou Sakho made Toure the fourth choice. Despite this, injuries conspired to give him 24 first team appearances. This was enough to endear him to the hearts of the Kop.
Kolo Toure’s passion for the game and playing for the Reds was infectious. His on-field leadership and off-field lightheartedness gave Liverpool a positive injection. This in no small part helped the culture of Liverpool under Brendan Rodgers. The Ivorian’s enthusiasm and experience brought life to the young squad and was key in the title run in of 2014. I have never known such positivity around the club than we had during that amazing run. Kolo Toure will always remind Reds of those electric few months.
His performances varied from the sublime to the ridiculous. When Liverpool faced Real Madrid away in the Champions League he managed to keep Ronaldo in check all game, putting in a terrific display. Then there were the hands on the head moments of horrible error. Through it all he played with a huge smile and a love for the game. In the era of the cold stone faced professional Toure’s love of the game – and his love for life – was a delight to see in Liverpool red.