Language barrier prompts Liverpool swop

Last updated at 13:03 30 December 2005

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has revealed language problems have prompted him to swop Spanish full-back Josemi for Holland defender Jan Kromkamp.

Benitez confirmed he has reached an agreement with Villarreal over the swap deal, which is expected to go ahead after the holiday programme.

And it is the problems both players have had in learning a new language which has prompted the transfer.

Kromkamp, 25, has struggled to settle with the Spanish club since his summer move from Alkmaar.

Now Benitez will bring the World Cup prospect to Anfield, allowing Josemi - his first signing when he took over at Liverpool 18 months ago - to return home.

Benitez said: "We have an agreement with Villarreal, and if we can get an agreement with both the players then we will swap them.

"Josemi is a right-back with some problems here with English, and Kromkamp has problems with Spanish at his new club.

"Maybe this swap will be good for both of them. Josemi is happy here, he's a good professional, but he sometimes prefers to talk in Spanish and to do that when he is with the Spanish players here.

"Kromkamp has the same problem at Villarreal with the Spanish language. We still need to talk to both players, but in a few days maybe he will be here training with us.

"He is a strong full-back, aggressive and offensive. He can play as a full-back or a wing-back, but I would rather now wait to make sure the deal can be completed."

Heinze history

Kromkamp has played in the Champions League this season, and will be remembered in Manchester for the incident when United defender Gabriel Heinze was injured playing in a group match earlier this season.

Benitez said: "Josemi had interest from Seville, but Villarreal have now talked to us and we have a deal with them but still need to talk to Kromkamp.

"It is very difficult to play in another country and he has had trouble learning Spanish.

"He is maybe too offensive for a defender there because they need to strengthen at the back.

"Josemi has improved his English, but for him and his family it has been difficult. Kromkamp has the same problems because I think 100 per cent of the team at Villarreal only talk Spanish, no English, and that has been really difficult for him."

The Spanish boss conceded he is still searching for a centre-back to strengthen his squad.

"I still need to strengthen in the centre of defence, we have four or five options we are considering.

"It is always difficult in the transfer window, but in January more so. Teams are settled and playing and if you want someone who is doing well for his team it is very difficult to buy them.

"Good players are at big clubs and that is hard. You can only look for players at smaller clubs."