Position: Winger Squad number: 16 Date of birth: 15.01.83. Birth place: Nottingham, England Former clubs: Notts County, Arsenal, Birmingham City, Transfer fee: £6.7m (Could rise to £8m with add-ons)
Jermaine Pennant’s performances during his first season at Liverpool have impressed boss Rafa Benitez enough to earn him a stay despite his revamp of the team.
The midfielder, who joined from Birmingham City at the end of the 2005-2006 campaign, put in an impressive performance during Liverpool’s Champions League Final defeat against AC Milan- earning him the man of the match award.
Pennant came to Liverpool following club Birmingham City’s relegation to the Championship, signing for a fee of £6.7m- potentially rising to £8m with add-ons.
From an early age it was clear that Pennant’s pace and skilful dribbling abilities would make him an asset in the Premiership and he was snapped up by Arsene Wenger at the age of 15, transferring from boyhood club Notts County to Arsenal for a fee of £2m- a record for a trainee at the time.
Pennant gained a reputation for trouble whilst at Arsenal, committing a string of misdemeanours which included staying out late before an important England under-21 game, punching a Polish player during another match and turning up late to training.
The player continued to court controversy, being sentenced to 90 days imprisonment while playing for Birmingham City on loan in 2005, after being found guilty of drunk driving while already banned.
Although released from prison after just thirty days, Pennant was required to wear an electronic tag - meaning he had to play his Birmingham city games with the tag.
Despite being a regular first team player for Liverpool and often turning in some excellent performances, an England call-up has eluded Pennant, despite the 24 caps he received representing his country at under-21 level.
The winger, who was a regular fixture for Liverpool throughout the 2006-2007, has two Charity Shield honours to his name and won the FA Youth Cup with Arsenal in 2001.
