Liverpool fans may have waved a reluctant goodbye to Xabi Alonso in the week but the next player to file through the Anfield exit door will receive no such send off.
Despite holding talks with Greek Super League side Panionios and seemingly being close to an agreement Charles Itandje may be bound for Italy. Serie A side Roma have registered an interest following an injury to Alexander Doni and because of their acute need hope to announce that they have completed the signing soon.
The keeper signed as cover for Pepe Reina in the summer of 2007 which in turn allowed Scott Carson to join Aston Villa on loan made seven cup appearances for the Reds but at the end of his first season Rafael Benitez had decided he was open to offers for the stopper.
Liverpool saw little of the promise which had seen Itandje identified as one of the best young keepers in France and on the verge of a senior cap just before he came to Merseyside. Eight goals were conceded in the seven cup games he played and though the defence was often different from that usually expected to turn out in a league match his backline often looked unsure when he was between the sticks.
After graduating through to the professional ranks with Red Star 93 and earning youth caps Itandje had a trial with the Reds during Gerard Houllier’s stint at the helm but also tried out with RC Lens who he opted to join in 2001.
When Diego Cavalieri joined the club prior to the 2008-09 season commencing it seemed certain Itandje would join Turkish side Galatasary but he rejected the terms on offer after a deal had been reached between the clubs. The player claimed Middlesbrough were another team who came in for him but the transfer window closed before any talks could be finalised.
In April 2009 at the service which commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster Itandje drew condemnation for appearing to laugh and mimic dance actions during a song.
A club fine and suspension were imposed and though the player apologised to the bereaved families his departure became inevitable. Only the fact that players’ contracts expressly inhibit sacking in the most extraordinary circumstances possibly stopped his instant dismissal.
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