In all seriousness, I don't think this was ever a win-win situation for Liverpool.
They claim to be members of the so called "Big 4", but it really is a "Big 3" with Liverpool lagging some way behind. OK, signing Torres has been a massive success for them, but its not had the desired effect of putting them on equal footing with Man U, Chelsea and Arsenal. Liverpool really are the Big 3's poor neighbours.
From a club with a rich history, instead of hearing about success, all we hear is boardroom unrest, debts, and the potential of falling further behind the Big 3.
So it really shouldn't have to be a win-win situation - as if Liverpool really were in touch with the Big 3, they'd have "won" this already.
So let's move onto Redman's latter "win" in the "win-win" situation.
If Barry doesn't sign for Liverpool, what have Liverpool gained? The chance to sign him in January?
That's clearly a possibility, but with Barry having 2 years left, its not like they can get a pre-contract agreement, or expect a reduction on Villa's asking price. Furthermore, they'll have even less money in Jan '09 than they do now.
Also, there's the distinct possiblity that Barry could change his mind. Consider (i) Liverpool struggle in the Champs Lge, (ii) Villa progress in the UEFA cup and (iii) Barry maintains his England place for the World Cup qualifiers. On the flipside, he's had a bad few weeks, but he's only been punished for the NoTW article and is clearly back in the fold.
Yes, clearly, there's a lot of "ifs" in here, so I'll add some certainty.
It's certain that Liverpool will come out of this in a poor light.
(1) Certainly, their No. 1 target this summer was Barry, and if they fail to land him it just makes them look "also rans" against the Big 3. Liverpool fans can talk about "Rafa's mind games" all they want, but if Man U were in for Barry at the start of the summer, they'd be enjoying his services, not looking like a bunch of cheapskates.
(2) They've clearly breached Prem Lge rules K3 and K8, so we're within our rights to queue up behind Spurs with our complaint. Wouldn't it be funny if they got a suspended punishment from the alleged Keane tapping, only to find we're waiting in the wings with ours?!!
So to sum up, there's lots at risk for Liverpool. If they fail to get in the top 4 this season without being able to demonstrate (or afford) their fans' ambitions, as the man said, Gerrard will consider his future and Torres will be at Stamford Bridge before you can say Abramovich.
Win-win? Not on your life.