Liverpool Banter Archive May 30 2013

30 May 2013 22:44:39
rite we all love luis but if he gos hopefully brendan has got someone ready 2 replace him, and i'm sure we could get 2 world class players for wot we get 4 him (if he gos that is) remember the time when torres went we were all dissapointed but there was life afer him and there wil certainly be life after suarez. after all we are LIVERPOOL FC. Y. N. WA 5 GOLD STARS

scrapper fegan & mad dog mallon

Agree totally.
derryred

Rite?

Rite of Spring.

We need top players look at chelsea etc they buy top ploayers for their team and young players to loan out moral top players get you to the top.

30 May 2013 22:35:32
If we can get £75m from the expected sales of Suarez, Carroll, Skrtel, Downing plus a few fringe players, added to that possibly £25m from FSG we will have a decent £100m to re-invest into the squad.

Only hope BR doesn't fritter some of it away like KK did. I think he will be very wise and astute, and get decent players in that won't break the bank.

Whether Suarez stays or goes, its still happy days. We still have Sturridge & Coutinho who have shown they are more than capable.

Great time to have money to spend - Spanish clubs are having a fire-sale. We have already profited.

Great time to have money to spend - Spanish clubs are having a fire-sale. We have already profited.

30 May 2013 22:20:45
Ed 002 proved right by suarez latest comments, he's as dumb as a bag of rocks, don't want xabi as part of deal time to move on people its a bright future

If Suarez leaves for Real Madrid he'd be playing Champions League football for one of the biggest teams in the World, getting a lot more money, taxed much less. From his point of view, how is he stupid exactly?

Maybe from the fact he can't open his mouth without putting his foot in it, or because he keeps getting banned?

30 May 2013 21:40:48
ED would I be right in saying that if the story of Madrid agreeing a 40m deal for Suarez were true it would be all over the internet? I mean I typed in 'Aspas' in Google yesterday and everything was 'Liverpool agree deal for Aspas', however I just typed in 'Suarez' and there was only one story about a deal. The rest was 'Suarez happy at Liverpool' or 'Suarez considering his future'.
I know it might mean nothing but the odds are Marca got this one wrong (or at least I hope they did!).
Also ED can you clear this up for me? Suarez signed a new contract last summer I think it was, is this the contract with the release clause in it or was it the old one? And does that mean we will lose Suarez for less than we were hoping for? Sound for the reply. {Ed001's Note - there is no release clause, it merely allows the bidding club to talk with Suarez, not automatically buy him. Marca are the voice of Madrid, they often use it to unsettle players they are interested in.}

30 May 2013 21:44:43
I am worried for next seaosn. If we fail to achieve Cl and countinho hits the top gear.
Barca, real, bayern. would snap him too.
he is an excelellent player.

This is a very real fear, if Coutinho is consistent next season I think a lot of CL clubs will prey on LFC for his services (even English clubs) should we fail to finish in the top 4.

And of course he would have every right to turn his head, we expect most players to want to sign for us whenever we show interest.

Buying young players with potential, getting those players to hit their potential and sell them on for decent profits. I think that's FSG's brief for the transfer policy.

31 May 2013 07:14:04
BS post, the guy just signed! At least staying with us for 3 years! Stop being so negative you clowns! We will be better off without the biter, stop acting like little bitches and grow a pair!

Malak

30 May 2013 21:34:10
Just want to say Thanks Eds for what you do, really appreciated and love the site.

Fantastic effort by all of you and please ignore the persons.

This site is brilliant {Ed052's Note - thanks very much. Ill pass it on}

30 May 2013 22:28:12
Could we go for abidal for nothing?

31 May 2013 08:03:20
How old is he? If he is fit and 32 and under, why not?

30 May 2013 22:21:51
any news on luis alberto? personally would love to see mccarthy and eriksen at the club, storty with saurez is he going? news on any strikers, great work and site keep the work up thanks jd 67

30 May 2013 22:19:48
I love Suarez he is pure class but when watching us when he isn't playing do we not play with more freedom? This is why BR is signing quick young attackers to spread the goals around the team. Think I would rather have 3-4 players scoring double figures than 1 scoring 20 plus goals wouldn't you? This is why I would like to see alonso sign as part of the deal to unlock defences with his range of passing

30 May 2013 22:15:07
does anyone like the idea of a swap involving alonso contrao and 25m if suarez decides to go. The deal has got to be 60m or there about.

I would consider that good buiness but I would wnat 30m snd as well as alonso, coentrao and jese rodriguezi

Got to live in the real world here. Contrao is worth close to £20 million alone by their valuations, so £30million + him would still be unrealistic.

30 May 2013 22:25:33
Like I said before - sell Suarez.

He is simply not worth the aggravation.

Glad now some people have seen the light.

Get the money and get rid.

We have shown him so much support, yet he
still spouts off about moving on.

Good -ok, get rid -no player is ever bigger than the club.

He will be replaced.

M

He only said it would be hard to turn down Real Madrid, would you rather he lied?

I don't know why so many people rage and become bitter about footballers and transfers.

30 May 2013 22:09:20
we should get

papadopoulas. CB. 12mil
Gustavo. CDM, LB, CB. 8-12mil
aspas. ST RW. 6-8 mil
alberto CAM . 5 mil

sell
carroll. 15 mil
skrtel. 12mil
+20 mil transfer budget

minimum 10 million left to spend plus any money on any other players sold for further replacements

so possibly eriksen. 12 mil
or alderweireld. 7mil

if any other deals don't go through

You won't let Gustavo go will you? Man love much?

30 May 2013 21:52:41
mmmm So Luis has been opening his mouth in the South American media again. It seems a regular occurrence, Ok so we knew he might be tempted by a move to a champions league side but seriously why all this cloak and dagger stuff?. We hear your staying and are behind the clubs vision, then we hear your considering your future, Well young man I know a certain Shankly and a certain Cloughie in their day would have made that decision for you,
I don't like all this player power and prima donna behaviour, either show your loyalty to the club in the media and say your staying or say your after a move and let us move on swiftly,
My own opinion?. he's already done too much damage to our once great reputation and he hogs the ball wayyyy too much for my liking regardless of last years amount of goals. Sell him, get the best cash, spend wisely
YNWA JFT96

30 May 2013 21:32:54
ed do you think its likely we may follow up on the intrest in Mkhitaryan if Suarez leaves? {Ed052's Note - perhaps}

30 May 2013 21:32:40
hi eds
based on current rumours who do you think is the most likely suarez replacement if he leaves if not aspas {Ed052's Note - it'll be Aspas and others: a winger/attacker will come in}

30 May 2013 21:30:37
Regards the likely continual links over Suarez the club have to be strong. Surely the question is simple ' will you continue to play for us with 100 % effort.? If the club is in any doubt then they need to agree a fee, what the player is worth plus. Chunk to cover the inconvenience of loosing a player in demand - perhaps 50/60 m. Deals need to be set up and agreed with other clubs for players. Only when this is done release Suarez. Timing is key do it early so new players can gel. Suarez is good but not particularly someone you would see around for ever. Move on.

I know I will be slated but for 10m Torres is the best bet by far and he still has a lot to offer. Put the red shirt on him and he will do fine. Sturbridge is the main man now also.

I expect people to disagree

Red and some

30 May 2013 21:49:20
What would fellow fans want out of these two options.
Go along with the fact these players would be happy to join and sold for the rumoured values etc.

A) Keep Luis, who is apparently unhappy

OR

B) Sell to Madrid (No direct competition for us next yr but could help knock out Mancs, Chelski or ARSEnal from the CL :) ) for £40m

The £40m is then spent on - Eriksen £12.5m, Benteke or Muriel £15m, Tello £8m and Diame £3.5m

Still have remaining summer budget plus £15m for Carroll to improve defence. Decent CB + LB

Option B ain't so bad.

The players you mentioned will never be as good as Suarez

Why oh why are some people so infatuated with Diame? And before you reply we need a quality defensive midfielder, he isn't a defensive midfielder!

Ciario80

Sell Suarez and buy benteke or lukaku and Muriel/ericksen. That's what I would do.
Red American

30 May 2013 21:30:17
LUIS SUAREZ is not going to real. nor is he worth 40 million, I've said it before and me say it again, if bale is worth 70 or 80 million. there's no way suarez is worth only 40 mil. get a grip lads. suarez is the only player in the world that is the nearest 2 ronaldo and messi. he's nearly twice the player bale is

Bale is the best player in the country, Suarez is an embarrassment, he bites players, racially abuses players then blame the press, he's just looking for excuses to do a runner.

But only plays half the time 'cos he's usually band!l

He's better than Bale, Falcao, Hulk, Cavani, Rooney. Whoever we get won't be in Suarez league. He's world class

I would be sorry in one way to see Suarez go. He has scored some fantastic goals and is always unpredictable in what he is going to do. But considering he has missed so many games over the last two seasons due to suspensions I wonder how much better we would could have been. Good luck to Luis whatever he decides. let's not let him go cheaply and we should be wary of any cash plus player deals.

Livern01

What you say or think has no bearing on Suarez's fee. His representatives negotiated in a clause that allows him to talk to other clubs, and more importantly, you are viewing this all wrong. LFC DON'T want to sell him, but Luis Suarez WANTS to leave. Get it through your rather thickish skull.

The real AG

Would rather have Van persie than Bale.

Looks like the youngsters have finished their homework - Bale, is a quality player, but the best in this country - no way. And I think your homework should have included spelling - it's - Banned.

No no no, get it through your thick skull AG that F$G want to cash in and use Suarez to pay for most of the summer signings, let's see what our NET spend is after this window.

Waro

If he has a buy out clause then Real Madrid would activate it without needing to speak to us anyway? That's what a buy out clause is surely?
So if Real want him and he has a clause in the contract then put your money where your mouth is pay the fee we want. Job done.
I want him to stay because he is a great player but I won't shed a tear if he goes either.
How can buying a player for 20 million and selling him for 40 million be a bad thing for the club. We could buy 4 players for the same price as Coutinho with that money. mmmm There's a thought.

If we are selling Suarez it will be interesting to see how smart or dumb we are at negotiating a transfer price. Winker 80m, Falcao 60m, Torres 50m, Bale supposedly 70-80m. anything less than 70m would be a loss

Our net spend will be around 20 million I think, which is what it was going to be anyway, regardless of whether Suarez stays or goes.

I am amazed how many on here simply don't understand something as simple as this.

When there is a contract negotiation, it involves dialogue from both parties, from Suarez and his reps, who want some criteria, clauses in their contract apart from the financial aspects and LFC and their reps, doing exactly the same. They then work together to a suitable solution.

In Suarez's case, his reps put in that clause that allows him to talk to any team that meets the clause with a bid. This has been confirmed by Ed002 and I have no reason to doubt him.

The real AG

30 May 2013 21:29:32
Toure
Papadopolous
Eriksen
Alberto
Aspas
(Potentially a LB)

That's all the signings BR will do. Unless, Suarez is sold, then expect a couple more.
Personally, I think this is very likely to happen.

What happens if Skrtel & Coates leave, do you expect more signings then?

dmedly

30 May 2013 21:21:45
Nice to see LFC getting some business done early in the window, personally think Toure is a good signing if he's happy to play a similar role to Carragher over the last couple of seasons as still believe we need a younger/better player to strengthen the starting 11, papa from Schalke would be immense

Also Aspas another good signing, stand out player in Celta Vigos side, skilful, pacey and a great eye for goal

If the rumours about Luis Alberto Romero are true then another quality young addition to add strength in depth to the squad

Probably a little bit too hopeful but add C Eriksen, a decent LB to challenge Enrique and a DM to challenge Lucas to our ranks and would be a great summer IMO

Hope Reina stays and we again find somebody good enough to challenge him for a startling place to see us get th best out of him again

Would love for these players to all just be additions to our squad rather than replacements as I feel we have a decent squad as it is just needs that little bit more that the above players can bring to really see us challenge in the league again

Interesting to see other people's opinions

MikeCass
YNWA JFT96

30 May 2013 21:16:15
I've heard there's two clubs in for hulk could we be one especially with the Suarez saga

There's no way Hulk fits in the club wage structure.

Does Kolo Toure fit our wage structure? Nonsense

31 May 2013 00:58:23
toure is on 70k a week apparently, that's less than carra was, so yes, he does fit in to our wage structure.

30 May 2013 21:04:02
Eds. it just amazes me that this transfer window we could lose suerez, Reina, coates, sktel, downing, shelvey, Carroll, and bring in new replacements that a massive overload and could set us back months worrying times ahead what's your thoughts {Ed052's Note - it could set us back a bit or launch us forward. Getting rid of poor players and replacing them with better players who better suit the system}

With who would we replace suarez, whom are better

Awesome reply ed! totally my thoughts

30 May 2013 22:07:27
How do you replace Suarez? You can't.

But we could build a stronger squad with the funds. I'm hoping we can bring in some decent players, a little worried with some other the players with have been linked with recently, but have a lot of faith in Brendan.

YNWA

30 May 2013 20:52:38
seeing as it looks more and more likely that suarez is off the madrid, is there any chance of us asking for a swap deal? personally i'd ask for di maria if he'd want to come, he's the type of winger we need.

We got nothing to offer over other clubs, less wagers than elsewhere, no European football and oh yeah, Suarez is leaving. It's not the best option for Di Maria, Benzema, Higuain or Coentrao etc on paper, of course to us fans Liverpool is amazing, the best, even on hard times but we need to be realistic or get disappointed and breed negative comments, thoughts and ultimately atmosphere.

No one wants to loose their star players, but it happens, we take other people's star's and other teams take our star players, ebb and flow, give and take. Even United in a strong position and with loads of money lost Ronaldo to Real Madrid, Milan lost Kaka, Dortmund are losing Lewdanoski and have already lost Goetze. Arsenal have lost many many players whilst being in the Champions League. Anelka, Viera, Overmars, Henry, Nasri, Cole and RVP to name a handful of outstanding players past and present.

Be like a leaf in Autumn, you're going to hit the ground, there is no getting away from it, but you can do it gracefully.

Love that post above!

30 May 2013 20:58:19
a person has just reported that Luis Suarez is seriously considering his future. Looks like he's off! Oh well, another one bites the dust! Get as much as we can for him and spend it on players who want to play for Liverpool fc

Ack17

Who is this 'a person' you speak of? I have heard a lot about this dude in the last day or two.

It's the guy who does a lot of Spanish football, la liga shows, I posted his name but your not allowed to show it on this website for some reason!

Ack17

Is it Gollum Ballbag?

The real AG

30 May 2013 20:46:04
Everyone saying benzenma and higuian as swap with suarez but I would much rather reach an agreement to bring xabi back. Very optimistic of me but any chance eds?

13reds

30 May 2013 20:38:06
Oh Luis! Will you be remembered? For a year atleast. After that, only in folklore

30 May 2013 20:36:18
Hi Eds, i'd just like to start off by saying that i've been reading this site for a long time without posting (remember before it had individual club pages!) and it really is fantastic, you do an excellent job, so thanks for that!

Football-wise, I am very happy with our activity this summer thus far. As many have said, Toure adds some much needed experience, Aspas seems like a very good squad player, and although prior to today i've never heard of Alberto, he does sound promising.

One concern is i've seen many people saying that we could have up to 9 incomings this summer, which concerns me a little with the whole idea of constantly being in transition, so i'd be much more for the sort of five or six signings just to make our squad stronger. Originally I hoped Reina would stay one more year so we wouldn't have to re-do our centre-backs and goalie all at once, but it now seems likely he will leave, which gives me more reason to hope Suarez stays, as him leaving aswell would in my eyes give us nearly half a first team that need to gel all over again!

One potential signing I wanted to quickly comment on is Papadopolous. Although, admittedly, i've only seen him a few times, he does seem to be the big, strong, fast, dominating centre back I hoped we'd go for. My only concern would be his injuries, as people seem to say he is injury prone. I don't know the extent of the current one or if we could stop them like we seem to have with Agger and Gerrard this season, but it is, although my only concern about him, a big one. But let's hope its fine eh!

Sorry if the post is a bit long, might try and post more often now so it doesn't all end up in one! Thanks again Ed's {Ed002's Note - You make some excellent points.}

Welcome to the posting world at Liverpool Rumours JJJ! Like you, I have been a reader for longer than a poster. I do indeed remember the 'Football Rumours' page, and how it shot up to number one on the google search in a short while back in 2008/9 summer I think.

That aside, good points. Hope to see your posts more, for I am sure, most would welcome well constructed thoughts than posting up twitter rumours (though that is what this site is build upon).

On a very different note, when did you start participating at Football Rumours Ed002? I remember the Eds didn't get involved so much back in 08/09 I think.

A few whispers Glen Johnson could be off to a spanish club aswell. Certainly going to be a massive summer.

GuvTOB

Thankyou for the welcome real AG, much appreciated.

I to remember back in day with misty eyed happiness when the Eds didn't even have numbers but just different variations of ED!
On a more salient point which Ed/s first set up this site? Would Ed001 be to obvious a choice? {Ed001's Note - it was me and Ed033, just to confuse the issue. Initially, for the first few years, it was just me editing and Ed033 doing all the techy stuff. It was only about 2007 or 2008 when I actually included the first ed's note on a post, it was just one of those crying out for a dig at it. Next thing I knew, that post was getting loads of replies to it and my note. It just snowballed from there really and the site has never looked back and ended up having to split up into different clubs just to make it manageable.}

30 may 2013 20:29:42
luis saurez is worth 70 million pounds and no less. age, goal record, like for like.

if torres was 60 million then luis has to be worth more!!!!!!!!!!!!

he won't leave anyway.

he is in the top 5 strikers in the world.

anybody stating 40 is in cloud cuckoo land.

we bought him for 20 and he would cost double to replace - either with 1 or 2 players. so - at least i'd begrudgingly take 60 but only when i heard the man himself hands in a request.

man up you little bitches


gazman

Unfortunately it doesn't work like that! Anybody who thinks we will get much more than £40 million is in cloud cuckoo land

I still think he will sell for around £35m. Just a hunch ;)

Disney! {Ed019's Note - A wrong one}

We will see Ed.

We will see.

Disney!

Are you sure this hunch is not on your back?

Very good AG, made me chuckle lol
Swallybean

With Bale being rated at 70-80m and Falcao selling for 60m and Neymar costing Barca up to 100m we should be able to negotiate a price of 70m

30 May 2013 20:16:05
{Ed052's Note - This is what you've all been waiting for. A little profiles on Aspas, I've just knocked up quickly.
http://www.player-profiles.co.uk/iago-aspas.php
Cheers.}

30 May 2013 19:57:05
Hi eds what's your views on Suarez going? Hasn't his agent come out today and said he wants to stay with Liverpool? Also if he does go do you think we could have xabi alonso back as part of the package? {Ed002's Note - RTP please.}

30 May 2013 19:52:02
Am I the only one who wouldn't be too disappointed to see Suarez leave the club?

Don't get me wrong, I love him as a player and I'm always amazed as to what he does on the pitch. But I think it's a real opportunity to build a team with a balance of goalscoring and creativity that's not just from one player.

It would surely take some impressive bargain-hunting, but if we could find a goalscorer for around 20 million and another winger/creative midfielder with the rest I think the team could actually benefit from the sale of Suarez. Perhaps the accession of a creative midfielder isn't actually necessary? I for one did not expect Coutinho to start as well as he has done.

I agree mate and also think we should bite the bullet on this one, with the money he would bring in I think Rodgers could do wonders with it.

30 May 2013 19:43:21
Just a thought to put out there. Seeing as we need left back cover, I think we should move in for Abidal. Rodgers was talking about winners and he definitely is a winner. He obviously isn't as fit as he used to be but he can surely fill in when needed.

I said this about 6 months ago and got bollocked on here!

RedKopite

30 May 2013 19:41:38
Evening eds, just want to know if you're excited about the deals for the two Spanish kids and toure?
cheers in advance!
redgrant. {Ed002's Note - I don't get excited over footballers.}

Not even for Liverpool fc ladies {Ed002's Note - I would doubt they would be interested in my. If their mothers are still around they might be. Ed007 would be ay residual grandmothers still around.}

30 May 2013 19:37:36
Ed great work rate. Appreciated.

Lets offer joe allen to Madrid.
The weilsh Xavi to compete against the Barca Xavi.

They won't stump up the £120 million for him

30 May 2013 19:35:38
Psg, Monaco, couple Russian clubs, all got cash all building. what's happening to the apparently stalled Anfield Stadia plans?-Because catch up hard enough at Home never mind Europe also!

30 May 2013 19:28:54
Ed, so far supposedly we've looked at Zambrano, Papa and and Ilori are these the only central defensive players we've had a relatively seriously look at?

Also with the addition of Aspas and likely Alberto does this mean and interest in Tom Ince has waned?

Cheers. {Ed052's Note - I never thought we would go back for Ince - and he wouldn't move to us anyway in all likelihood as he wouldn't be in the first team every match. We have also looked at the Seville Cb who's name beats me just now, the one Ed001 has mentioned. Botia!!}

30 May 2013 19:22:27
Once we where 2nd in England to Manc U in Stadia capacity. Weve steadily slid down charts and therefore lost millions in revenue, all connected (if not solely) in our falling behind. Now ok the dreaded H and G contributed largely. (even though Moores and co. shouldve addressed before even their reign) But now West Ham potentially 54k and no disrespect EVEN Palace talking a 40k Stadia. isn't it time Fenway told ALL WHAT EXACTLY IS GOING ON? and JUST as IMPORTANTLY-WHEN?! For Gods sake they've had long enough to sort All. Ok they've SAID what's SUPPOSSEDLY happening, but WHEN WILL WE SEE IT?!

Are you actually kidding? If you want to know so desperately what is going on, go down to Liverpool City Hall and make a request under the Freedom of Information Act as to the current state of planning permission bids on the property of Anfield Stadium.

samsam9000

Please read your local councils planning portal, this is a public document/database that will give you all the publicly available info on the stages of planning consent in regards to the above. However, it will not tell you about all the red tape and hoops that must be jumped through to get all the properties CPO'd, this needs to be done to expand the ground. All this takes a lot of time, effort and massive expense, why do you think the gooners built a new stadium rather than try and expand. YNWA and great site all.

30 May 2013 22:36:05
Redeveloping Anfield won't happen soon. It'll stay the way it is for the next 5/10 years until these joker Americans sell up and a new owner with ambition and passion takes over

30 May 2013 19:08:57
Can you explain what buy-out/release clause mean in the contract?

If an offer meets the release fee then the club have no option to reject the offer.

I think Ben means ''accept''

In any case, Ed's have said/typed that is only to allow Suarez to talk to prospective clubs. But I can't see the offer being raised too much, maybe an add on or two but that's about it I think.

I meant reject, it is automaically accepted but cannot be rejecte

30 May 2013 19:03:18
hi eds
what are the chances of getting higuain or benzema in trade plus money for suarez if he is sold? {Ed052's Note - not very likely at all}

We have no European football to offer and have struggled this season trying to get it.

Why would players like Higuain or Benzema want to take the step down (as it surely would be seen as?) This is before wagers are even taken into consideration.

Liverpool now have to create stars or find precious gems and diamonds in the rough. Look at Coutinho and Sturridge, they're the perfect example of what we want and need.

I'd say in response to this that when Bergkamp moved to arsenal it was considered a step down. You just need to sell your project as a club to player you are interested in.

If they aren't willing to move to us soley based on playing for our club then I wouldn't want them. Simple as that.

I'm pretty sure this is why we are not showing any further interest in Eriksen.

Jonesred

30 May 2013 18:57:11
Does anyone know how good aspas and Alberto are? Thanks:)

From footage, Luis Alberto has scored some fantastic individual goals for Barcelona B, but he's got an eye for a defence splitting pass also and looks more than able to start and finish the link up play, he wears number 9 but he's omnidirectional in his running and is quite tricky with the ball whilst charging at his opponents.

I think he'd be a tremendous bit of scouting work and would be able to step up straight into the first team, most likely start as a bench player looking to get more and more involved with each performance. I think he'd be very exciting and for £5 million, as i've read, let's just hope Barcelona neglect taking their option up with Seville for Alberto, so we can benefit hugely, as i'm sure we would from his arrival. I've got my fingers crossed for him.

30 May 2013 18:36:42
Wissam Ben Yedder!

If Suarez leaves I think This guy is one of the best ideal player to replace him. 15 goals 6 assists. Pacy, Skillfull at the age of 22. would come cheap 10-12M

what is you info on him ed? Do you think we might well be interested?

I think Aspas, Sturridge, Borini and this Wissam can help fill the void if Suarez leaves hopefully all these can contribute to more than 30 goals per season.

I am not sure of Borini still, he has a lot prove next season!

So here is what it might be Toure, Aspas, Atsu, Luis Alberto, Llori, Papa.

Depending on Suarez and Reina, another two players to come in. IMO Eriksen (Assiaid +12 M to Ajax) and Begovic

Most likely on there way out Carroll, Skrtel, Downing, Coates, Assaidi, Spearing, Shelvey, Pacheco,

Welldoen BR and who ever behind this strategy to get delas done early. that's the way to go. really impressive if this goes well hopefully

Bosco {Ed052's Note - theres no point throwing random names at us}

Thats a strange reply Ed052 isn't that what most people on here do! lol {Ed052's Note - yes, and oddly we're never interested in them! We're not interested in the player the OP mentioned}

30 May 2013 18:34:10
hi eds any truth about muriel he looks a decent player, danny ire {Ed052's Note - please read the previous answers}

He's very good, I like the lad, but he's fat. Now he might get away with that in Italy where pasta, pizza and carbs are almost a by-law but for £20 million that just ain't on.

LoL i'd laugh at watching him on the Wenger diet. ''Where's my chicken's skin gone?''

''We do not allow footballer's to eat the skins of chicken, so we remove them. ''

''Right where's my agent'' XD

30 May 2013 18:30:36
Eds, if Suarez leaves do you expect us to look at a striker to replace him or a winger?thanks. {Ed052's Note - either/both. We won't get an out and out replacement, but selling Suarez will mean we should be able to afford a slightly more expensive winger: we've been looking for one anyway.}

Any chance of asking for di maria + cash in return?

30 May 2013 18:22:57
Luis Suarez's agent Pere Guardiola told tv there is currently no deal between Suarez and Real Madrid.

"Currently" would seem the operative word in that sentence. We'll see what happens, I guess but at this point I personally would be far more surprised to see him play for us again than not.

In all honesty I couldn't care less if Suarez left us as long as we get a good deal.

If he wants to leave after the backing he's had at our club then let him go.
He's banned for a number of games every season and a liability each season. I have came to this conclusion after the latest biting incident, and thought after that he was going anyway.

Our club needs players of a high quality who play the full season an deliver each season. Fair play he's score a tonne of goals this season, but we've had players over numerous years who can do that.

In all honesty I'm sick of the press the player gets season in and season out.

If we can get a good deal for straight cash or cash plus Alonso and say Contrao and or Di Maria/Callejon or whoever else I'd snap their hand off. We have to remember we are the club in driving seat and DON'T need to sell.

Too many times we get duped on transfers by say Real, Barca etc.

We have a strong position and need to get the best deal for him for OUR club.

Come on people we know we can replace like we have with so many other strikers.
Let's be honest we've had more respectable strikers delivering the goods for us season in season out. So let's not all start crying about it if or when he leaves us.

If he wants to leave I'd rather he left early so the club can plan ahead accordingly and get the players in sooner rather than waiting until late in the window and scamper round trying to arrange things.

Jonesred

30 May 2013 18:11:53
What I am not getting is they are reporting that a deal has been struck between Madrid and Suarez but no fee with Liverpool so if Madrid have not put a bid in how are they able to agree a deal with the player is that not tapping up?

all this talk of putting in an offer over £40million and he is allowed to talk to clubs but reading those reports they haven't put an offer in. I think that is terrible Journo work once again, is a Madrid paper stirring the pot trying to unsettle the player?

LFC420 {Ed002's Note - I suspect they are responding to the discussions involving Real Madrid and Suarez's agent.}

Are Real offering Coentrao for sale this Summer ed002?
The Juicer {Ed002's Note - Yes - Monaco and Juventus have already spoken with Madrid about Coentrao and Spurs have sown an interest.}

30 May 2013 18:07:21
Eds If Suarez left do you think Liverpool would be bold enough to go for someone like hulk or would they stick to players like Sanchez
I know it's a difficult to answer but please try {Ed002's Note - I have no idea what you mean by "players like Hulk" or Sanchez.}

30 May 2013 16:53:46
eds with Luis Alberto coming in do u think he will be one for the future if so do u think we will still be looking at someone else for the mid thanks {Ed001's Note - he is for now and the future, like Coutinho, I expect him to get his chances in the first team. It will be up to him to take them.}

30 May 2013 14:54:37
Eds do any of you know how highly rated suso is by the club as the signing of Luis Alberto fella seems pointless unless he is better than suso.
Thanks Keatz {Ed001's Note - different player mate, they are complimentary rather than an either or thing.}

I think I'll disagree with you ed1. Both play a cam role. Both left footed. Similar styles. Both rifle a shot too. What I will say though, it wouldn't be bad to have coutinho Suso Alberto Sturridge borini sterling. Its mouth watering with the balls skills, pace and movement we could have in the ranks. It makes the thought of Kurt Ngog Bellamy maxi and a has been Torres so long ago! Refreshing.

30 May 2013 17:57:42
Kolo toure signed aspas close eriksen wants lfc move ynwa

30 May 2013 17:52:48
Is Liverpool really interested in Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea? He would be a good addition if Luis Suarez leaves. {Ed002's Note - It seems unlikely.}

Who would not be interested in Lukaku. He's the next drop a without a doubt, cracking player. Chelsea should be playing him in some games next season I think.

30 May 2013 17:48:32
Do people honestly believe we are not a champions league team?

Makes no sense to me because we play well on big occasions, always have, always will. that's the reason most of us support this team right?

Granted our league form is not so great but I honestly believe that comes down to the lack of squad depth, the huge changes in our team and the crap starts to the season, eg: Lack of strikers, Suarez bans, wasted money on expensive but useless players.

This season we have a great team, the window hasn't even opened and we are making quality signings and there is more to come.

Back to my origional point, Arsenal, Chelski, Spurs and the 2 Mancs are not any better than ourselves on the day. We can give anyone a hard game.

Just because these teams are higher up the table does not mean they would do better in the Champions league. The EPL requires consistency which we struggle with but the Champions League is a cup, win over 2 legs and your through. Not saying we would win but hey, if Chelski can finish 5th in the EPL and win the Champions league, can't why we have a good go at it considering we beat them 4 times that year?

We're not a Champions League team, because, now this is the biggy. We are not in the Champions League, or even the Europa League. Know thy self.

30 May 2013 17:41:55
Guys Suarez does not have a 40m release clause. He has a agreement in his contract that if a club offers 40m there aloud to talk to him, after terms have been agreed then Madrid will have to nagotiate a new improved price for him! Get it?

30 May 2013 17:35:08
Many of you are getting it wrong but iago aspas deal that is place is for £7.7 mil, relagated or not. GOOD BUY

30 May 2013 17:28:36
Suarez off to Madrid source Marca

30 May 2013 17:23:43
Eds could you please clarify if possible. The £40m release clause in Luis contract is purely a trigger to allow negotiations right? I understand the agent can talk to Madrid at any time and basically must be fully aware what deal would be acceptable for his player to sign. I guess it could be a case of Suarez effectively talking to Madrid via his agent without physically talking direct, a way round the permission LFC would have to grant.
But my long winded question is does Liverpool have to settle for £40m if its not a direct release clause? Could they hold out for say £55m. I understand a player can refuse to play and get all difficult so may not be able too.
Also can Liverpool demand £40m in full before release. I'm sure Madrid would want to pay £10m a year or some BS but do we have to roll over and accept Madrids terms? Is there a strong character at the club like Spurs' Levy who would stand firm until the deal suits LFC? Thanks {Ed002's Note - See previous answers.}

30 May 2013 17:21:31
What about benteke if suaez leaves? Could be a great signing

30 May 2013 18:12:28
Or just another andy carrott! One season wunderbar

In a 4. 3. 3 I don't think Benteke would fit only because studrridge is going to play true the middle

30 May 2013 16:52:09
Is Liverpool really interested in Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea? He would be a good addition if Luis Suarez leaves.

30 May 2013 17:18:04
List of replacements for Suarez
Mario Gomez 11m
David Villa 10m
Karim Benzema (part of deal)
Andy Carroll

30 May 2013 18:03:03
mario gomez 11 mill?
hha. dude. plsssssss.

Andy Carroll lol, cus he's really going to score us 30 goals a season isn't he! Not to mention he's already half way out the door.

Crowman.

11Million WTF sign him for that if suarez stays haha

We tried to sign mario gomez in the window we got carroll we tried to get him for 35m euros

30 May 2013 17:11:15
Have we actually agreed a deal to sign this Luis Alberto fella or is it just pure speculation?

Also, with all the other speculation what Liverpool related deals can you see being agreed in the coming days?

Anonymous woolback {Ed052's Note - weve agreed a fee, yes.}

30 May 2013 15:59:01
Pere Guardiola says Luis Suarrez is staying at LFC this summer. That puts end to all transfer linking him out.

source - tv

30 May 2013 15:57:35
Eds,
Do you know if we have an interest in James Rodriquez, Wilfreid Bony, Andrey Schrulle, and Shaun Maloney?
Thank you {Ed002's Note - Search function please.}

I've got this one ed: no, been linked but no, no and god no.

30 May 2013 15:57:00
Hi ed. Can you confirm Marcas story? I'm sure Suarez doesn't have a 40m release clause in his contract though.

Thanks. {Ed002's Note - I have answered this on numerous occasions.}

30 May 2013 15:10:57
Hi Eds,

Great job,
Are fees agreed for both Aspas and Luis Alberto? If so when do you expect them to join.
Also if and when Pepe leaves for Barca, will Rogers look at 2 new goalies or just the one straight replacement.

Cheers {Ed052's Note - theyll joing when the window reopens. Just one GK}

29 May 2013 23:44:44
Hi ed just wondering if you could give me a link to the player profile website so I can get the lowdown on aspas cheer OJA {Ed052's Note - I will do a profile on him soon}

30 May 2013 16:44:30
Suarez is a great player, but the club can move on without him if he leaves. He is suspended for a load of games at the beginning of the season, and this time can be used to bed in a new player. £40 million will allow us to buy a few players.

I don't want him to go, but it will not be the end of the World if he does.

If he goes for £40M then we don't want to be buying a few players we should buy 2 or 3 players that are real quality.

30 May 2013 16:36:52
Any Interest in Seydou Doumbia of CSKA Moscow eds? {Ed002's Note - Nope.}

30 May 2013 16:33:12
eds why has Liverpool not shown any interest in luis gustavo, he is exactly the player Liverpool need, he can provide cover/competition for LB, CB, CM. He wouldn't be too expensive and has the winning mentality needed and fits FSG youth policy?! also could be persuaded by coutinho and lucas to go to Liverpool! {Ed002's Note - I can't possibly answer this.}

30 May 2013 16:25:10
Suarez looks to have his bags packed, take care Luis and hope you have every success in Spain, one of the best players i've seen in the Prem. No doubt has a stupid streak and hope he sorts it out for himself/family and the game but I think Suarez is a bit like MR Jackal and Hyde, one side is outstanding quality and the other is prepared to do near anything to get an advantage.

As for Iago Aspas, i'm expecting to be pleasantly surprised by this relatively unknown from across the water. Seen a few videos, including one of the Ed's and he looks like a tricky little player and hope he hits the ground running and does well.

Luis Alberto, Seville/Barcelona B. I've not seen much, again apart from highlights on y/t but he seems promising and we can only hope he'll offer an option to Rodgers with adding his ability and quality to the team.

One rumour I am very interested in is if Suarez does leave, which I believe has always been on the cards, then Luis Muriel of Udinese apparently being lined up as Suarez's successor, now that would be interesting, though he's not without his issues, albeit weight and injury as opposed to biting and undesired name calling. 22 years old with bags and bags of potential (11 goals and 3 assists in 15 starts for Udinese this season), at the right price and if Rodgers can trim the fat out of this lads diet, then wow.

Suarez leaving is a gutter, no doubt. We pretty much all love the hell outta him for his performances and his ability to put the fear of something in defences, he kicks ass and that's all there is too it. But if his leaving, (which is pretty much out of our hands) leads to a revamping in other areas of the pitch and to the squad, as a whole to give us a better chance of moving forward as a better unit, then we should all see the bigger picture at hand.

There was life after Torres and there will be life after Suarez. We really should be used to all of this now, from Owen, Xabi, Mascherano, Torres and now increasingly looking like Suarez is the latest player to leave. It only highlights what Gerrard did and still does in wearing the red and playing with passion. Many will come, few will stay.

Good perspective sir. Well said!

30 May 2013 16:23:55
Hi Ed check this out :

Madrid President said (quote) "Suarez is a great player and many clubs will be after him. but sometimes it is just not a good fit"

Reading between the lines I would guess the risk of mad publicity after Jose is not what Madrid want.

30 May 2013 16:20:45
Well this whole Suarez situation really has me on edge now. I really think he is SO important to our club and our aspirations of getting into the top 4. I'm really hoping he stays for another season and then if we make 4th this year we can then start to attract top name players! Selling him would be the biggest mistake for the club IMO. (And Jesus Navas is NOT the answer)

Anyways on to my question, what are the chances we make a play to sign Christian Benteke?! He is what we need (especially if Luis goes). I'm fine with the Aspas signing for a low fee but I painfully have to agree he's just a mediocre signing atm. With Sturridges injury that's yet another worry! This club needs a goal scorer. A proven goal scorer. Benteke is skilled, fast, strong, and scored 19 goals for a near relegation side. I want someone who we can be confident in! Sturridge I am confident in. But we can't rely on just Borini and Aspas. Sure there will be other teams interested, but he might not care as much about UCL football as Liverpool is obviously a step up still. Please Eds tell me there's a possibility of signing him?

30 May 2013 16:19:16
So we have fees agreed for Luis Alberto and Aspas? and If Suarez does leave how much would Muriel cost? And would the rest of the money-
a) go to the owners?
b) Used to buy a few useful players?
c) Used to buy another class talent?

Its all looking good I always thought there was better value for money abroad and Rodgers seems to be unearthing it. Btw do we have any chance of loaning Delafou from Barca?
Thanks
OptimisticRed

30 May 2013 16:17:41
if we are selling suarez to real madrid we should demand benzema or higuain in return it will because it is our only opportunity to get a top class striker to replace suarez!

30 May 2013 16:15:03
Every time Luis leaves the country we have to put up with these interviews with Uruguayan media – its all getting a bit tedious Luis – we are all happy for you to stay but if you want out then just get on with it – we don’t come and go so don’t worry we ll all get over you

30 May 2013 15:41:14
Eds or Macca, is there any chance of us getting Papdopalous?
Figired

30 May 2013 15:39:43
Macca, what's are your thoughts on Papadopoulos joining. Is it as close as some people say?

30 May 2013 15:31:44
Hi eds what's the situation with Lukaku? Are there any clubs interested in him? I know he has said he will discuss his future once Mourinhio arrives at Chelsea but I would really love if he were to join us. And is the Luis Alberto deal done and dusted or is it just a wind up? Seems like a good prospect. I really think we are finally heading in the right direction with Brendan in charge.

Cheers!
YNWA {Ed002's Note - Lukaku may go on loan but won't be sold.}

30 May 2013 10:27:30
Hello ED002, hope all is well, Got 3 months off work, so will be around more often lol!

Now to Liverpool, I keep hearing about Suarez, I read the article etc, and well to be honest are we really going to be sad to see him leave? i'm not, not anymore.

I asked a question the last time I was here about Shelvey, maybe I've missed a lot, If its been done to death please ignore me, but any movement? loan? transfer out?

Skrtel Arsenal bound? any truth to this?

Coates, I haven't seen much of him but from what I have seen he's not bad?. Ed mate do you expect Coates to leave or to go out on a loan?

Andy Carroll, the other day on facebook, I had noticed some page saying he wanted to prove himself at Liverpool again?
I think if he stays it'll be a mistake, he won't get game time and we'll be sat paying his wages for nothing, I know some people think different but I just don't think he's good enough for Liverpool and never will be. (and yes, facebook isn't the most reliable source, I know this)

This Papadopolous, eds do you expect him to sign for Liverpool? I have a funny feeling its one of them. I don't know why I just can't see it personally.

Sorry if the majority if not all of this has been done to death. Just looking for some quick answers :) Hope everybody and the eds are well!

Oh and. on an end note, predictions for next season fellas? 5th I say!, I don't believe we're good enough just YET to get top 4, I love Liverpool always have and always will, but been real, we're not a champions league football team just yet. of course i'd love to be wrong!

Don {Ed002's Note - Try the search function please.}

30 May 2013 15:19:36
Does suarez have a release clause in his contract or not?

30 May 2013 15:07:40
yo eddie stobarts. Not a rumour but a healthy question me old fruits. IF we flog Suarez will all the money we get for him be invested in the team?
What ya reckon?

Shabba!

30 May 2013 13:03:42
Hey how's it going guys
Ed002 could you please explain what the story is with Luis alberto where does he played and who for please {Ed002's Note - I know little of him. He is on loan in the Barcelona reserves from Sevilla.}

30 May 2013 15:07:04
Ed001 I see your about, Do you mind if I ask you a question.

With Aspas and Alberto looking likely as a Liverpool fan are you happy with these signings can they take Liverpool forward, Or would you have liked to see different players brought in.

Thanks in advance. {Ed001's Note - I think they both look exciting players, just have to hope they settle in ok. They wouldn't have been my first choice, but one I thought would be sure to join Barca and the other I just never thought of. I do like what I have seen of Aspas, he looked a real grafter, a Kuyt upgrade. }

Aspas is being bought to allow Borini and Downing too move on. He's a very good player!

30 May 2013 15:02:07
According to Marca, Real Madrid and Suarez has agreed on a contract which gives suarez a huge payraise. Real has not been in contact with lfc and figure they will have to pay the £40 mill buyout clause.

30 May 2013 14:12:57
Hi Eds. is this Suarez thing just a storm in a tea cup born (as Guardiola - agent not manager - suggests) from Luis' frustration. especially since Florentino Perez has expressed that as good as some players are they simply do not 'fit' into the ethos of his club? I think I'm siding with Macca on this Suarez thing and believing that he will stay one more year with us at LFC although that does not take into account that the owners and club might have simply had enough of his volcanic personality and so may choose to cash in this extra rich summer. {Ed001's Note - it is a player making sure that he keeps his options open. If the right offer comes, he will be gone. If not, he will stay.}

30 May 2013 14:46:09
Hope to god that this 'Suarez has agreed terms with Madrid' story is true, if so what a great bit of business for LFC. Seriously 40 million? If we can get that for someone who besides his obvious talents has caused so much trouble for our club then we should drive him there, we WILL replace him and hopefully with someone who doesn't get himself lengthy bans all of the time.

30 May 2013 14:40:48
It seems increasingly clear that Brendan, FSG and the rest of the team have been doing a phenominal amount of work this season scouting and identifying targets that would fit the model of a club that will provide both sustainable and attractive football for years to come. They have stopped the rot that previous regimes have instilled in the club signing overpriced and overpayed mediocrity and are genuinely "building" something for the long term. How many people have slated both the owners and manager for not splashing huge amounts of money on top names like Chelski and Man City have done, I know which model I, as a Liverpool fan will be most proud to be associated with in 4 or 5 years time when, if we can remain loyal and patient we can again be title contenders, playing with the worlds elite in Europe. Well done all at LFC. As a first season for Brendan, introducing a refreshing and very different style of football to that which we have been playing in recent years, it is also clear he has now had time to assess the current squad enough to identify areas of strength and weakness and players that he would like to keep, or not. Rather than moaning about the "class" of his signings or the ones departing we should as fans be exited about the future and have faith in his vision (at least untill its been utterly disproven), how long was Fergie in charge before he had any success again? As for Luis, if you do go, thankyou for the memories, YNWA, and good luck. Sod the British press and all those who have dissed you.

Well said. I agree with you on all accounts even if I do feel Suarez will go. kls

30 May 2013 12:50:04
Eds can you please make a video of Aspas. As I don't know much about hm {Ed019's Note - I made one already. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuLktUtoCxE }

30 May 2013 14:03:54
Macca are LFC likely to buy some muscle for midfield? You talked about the soft centre last season who are LFC looking for to give us some more power in this department?

30 May 2013 14:01:40
I don't know if Barcelona are looking for two keepers because they've apparently had a bid rejected for the galatasaray keeper muslera and are expected to come back with a higher bid.

30 May 2013 13:43:53
For anyone who is interested to see the type of player Luis Alberto is, this link is for a 9min youtube video which showcases his playing style pretty well.

Don't take this as an indictaor of his ability as its a highlight reel, but it does show his position and playing style very well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h60Oz0_OrO8

30 May 2013 13:33:55
Luis Suarez will not leave Liverpool.

On another note: players cannot be valued in comparison to other players. A players value is only what another team is prepared to pay. If another team really want a player, they will pay more, if the players contract has numerous years left on it, they will pay more. The transfer payment can also be influenced by how much a club want to hold onto the player.

It is not as simple as - Torres vs Suarez. 50 million vs 40 million. It is more complex than that.

30 May 2013 12:07:23
Hi eds, with the supposed purchases of aspas and luis alberto, do you feel this could again impact suso's career at Liverpool as I believe alberto plays in behind a striker and aspas plays off the wing or as a cf?

Any feedback would be much appreciated

JC {Ed001's Note - no, Suso was only playing as a wide forward as part of his learning process, he was always expected to play central, as he lacks pace for the wide role. The one who is in danger is Downing.}

I thought alberto was bought for the academy ed? {Ed001's Note - he is 20, too old for the academy.}

30 May 2013 11:50:27
Hi Eds,
if Suarez is going and Daniel is out for few months, is there any plan to buy a striker of proven skills? thanks {Ed001's Note - yes Aspas.}

Have you decided sturridge is out for a few months?

30 May 2013 11:07:25
Eds what position do you see luis Alberto playing because I've heard he can play as a forward as well as a midfielder. Also do you see him on the bench, starting XI or in the U21s? {Ed001's Note - wide forward mostly, similar to the role Coutinho played on the left. The player most in danger of losing out, is Downing, Henderson will most likely have to fight for a midfield berth.}

30 May 2013 10:37:59
Hi eds,

I was just wandering if the extra revenue from the new TV rights deal would be put towards stadium redevelopment. Or do you think it would just be used to pay off the losses we make each year.

Thanks,

Red raj {Ed001's Note - some will cover losses, some will go on transfers. If the losses can be covered, there is more money to put towards redevelopment anyway.}

30 May 2013 13:25:03
There is no denying that Suarez is an absolute person.

However, to understand a man, you have to know where he comes from. Suarez grew up a street footballer, poor as anybody in this country can imagine. His passion for the game took him from the streets to the pitch, and from the pitch to greatness. In terms of ability, he is the best player the premier league has seen since Ronaldo. In terms of controversy, he is up there with Joey Barton.

He plays with his heart on his sleeve, and loses his mind sometimes. He is an person, whoes actions have damaged this club in many ways. But he is a very talented person who would command a fee close to £50m. When you consider he only got us 23 goals and 5 assists (partly due to being suspened for 5 games our of 38), is he really that valuable?

If Sturridge led our line for a whole season, he'd trump that. I saw earlier a post saying Suarez doesn't just bully the small teams, he bullys the top teams as well. I really don't know what games you've been watching, because against talented opposition, he goes missing, and panics in front of goal. Virtually all of his goals came against teams in the bottom half of the table, excluding maybe 5/6 of them. Some of his goals are world class. And he does have the ability to tear any team on earth apart, but he doesn't do it frequently enough. In a fashion very similar to Liverpool, Suarez either scores none, or bags a few (in general). that's why we see so many 0-0 draws. 23 goals in 187 shots is absolutely awful. He is so wasteful, but he looks good while he does it.

This arguably sets his fee higher than what he's really worth to Liverpool. As does the fans hero worship of him. He is a fan favourite (or was). If Madrid sign him and Bale to play alongside Ronaldo next year, they will unleash hell on the whole of Europe. But with what we could get for £50m, i'd cut our losses, protect the image of the club, and invest in a younger talent who fits our pass and move system better. He can move, and sometimes his link up is excellent, but he's so greedy. I think we need to sell him to progress. Everybody looks to him far to often, waitihng for him to do something. Its time for the other 10 players to stand up and be counted.

Just my opinion. He's not a bad person, just a misunderstood fool. I'll miss his genius sometimes, but then other times when we are playing fast, fluent football, I'll be thankful he's not there to break it down. Good luck to him regardless.

On the topic of our reported 3 signings:

Toure - Exactly what we need. Experienced, a leader, great working with youngsters, strong and vocal. He will replace Carragher and hopefully help mould Wisdom into a top centre back (as both are only 6ft, he can show him how to defend and not let your lack of height affect you, as 6ft is widely regarded as short for a centre back in this country). I look forward to him playing, as he will fight for a first team place as well. Leave the druggy/old comments out will you. He accidentally took soemting his wife was taking and he is the same age as Gerrard. 32! bloody hell retire them both :S

Aspas - I haven't seen a lot of him, but i've watched a few highlight reels, and some clips of him playing. He looks very similar to Bellamy/Assaidi in terms of how he moves. I just hope he is more like Bellamy in terms of end product. If you ask me, he will be deployed as a wide forward next season, and will most likely play on the right so he can come in on his left foot (which is his strongest). Downing will probably provide cover for him, which leaves Assaidi to be sold in my opinion.

Luis Alberto - I have actually seen this kid play a full 90 minutes! that's rare in spanish football for me, I'm more a EPL and Bundesliga man. He looks good technically but showed signs of inexperience. I wasn't exactly in awe, but this was before his loan, and his stats suggest he is maturing at a very similar rate to that of Tom Ince. He probably just needed game time. I see him as a squad player who will either be deployed in a wide forward role, or behind the main man. He could rotate with Coutinho as both are very young, and we can't afford to burn out top talent like that. This for me puts Suso in a predicament though, and will likely force him into finding a loan, or seriously upping his game. Don't be disheartened by the fact Barca would not sign this kid. They are trying to sell Tello, Sanchez and Thiago for crying out loud! They are in a horrible position financially, and cannot afford luxury players who will be the 11th choice attacker behind Iniesta, Messi, Xavi, Fabregas, Villa, Pedro, Sanchez, Tello, Cuenca and Thiago. £5m is a lot of money for a club so deep in debt. Hence why they are having to sell some of their attacking depth to buy better players for their aging defence. Sevilla are only selling because they simply have no other option.

Spanish football is crumbling under debt. Madrid are stable enough to survive, and Barca will be carried by their investment in youth, but European football will see a major shift in power soon. Italian football is also not very healthy, and German and French clubs are on the rise. English football has the most money in it, so will always present a force in Europe.

On a side note; Jesus Navas rumours probaby arose due to the Sevilla link to Alberto. However, even if we do sell Suarez, I do not want this guy. Last season was his worst creative return for about 6 years with only 6 assists and 0 goals! He didn't score once (in the league that is) at 27 years old playing as a forward, he's on the brink of losing his pace, and he suffers from awful homesickness. He will be no good at all for us. At e35millon, he is a major risk as we are hoping for him to a) re-discover his form b) adapt to a new country, home, language and club which is hard under normal circumstances c) not already be on a decline due to age. He is very reliant on pace, and Giggs aside, how many players carry that into their 30's? 5 years ago, yes. Now, no.

This post has gone way out of control, sorry for the essay eds, please do post, it took me my whole lunch hour to type this! haha {Ed001's Note - actually, from what I am told, the Alberto move was just an askance while talking about Navas and Botia. It was expected he was about to sign for Barca, as they were impressed with him and wanted to keep him. It wasn't a case of 'oh go on then, we will have him instead', just us asking while we were there on the off chance and being told Barca were struggling to raise the cash. So we agreed a fee. Sevilla really rate the lad, they are only selling because they are broke.}

Great post mate

gdfantastic

Hi ed001 did we get anywhere with the navas and botia enquires? Thanks {Ed001's Note - depends on how you view it. We know what Sevilla are looking for in order to sell them, but it doesn't seem we are willing to meet the price yet.}

Adam, this is a quality post.

Great analysis of our signings and potential signings however I beg to differ on navas and do feel he could add something different although I agree his stats were not very good this year.

Lil Red

30 May 2013 15:47:37
Do you still see Navas and Botia as options then? Thanks for clearing that last bit about Navas up though. It was purely assumptions on my behalf.

On my phone btw, so can't sign in. E-mail will verify my ID. Its no fault at your end btw, my phone is just really slow.

YNWAdam {Ed001's Note - yes, options, I don't see them as first choice at the price being asked though. It seems it is more about strengthening the squad overall this summer, choosing targets carefully to maximise the return for the money spent. If we can find a player as good for less, we will snap them up, the likes of Botia are higher end cost, so will only be gone for if we can't find a cheaper player. I really don't think Navas will happen though, the risk is just too high for the money they are asking, I was told it is well in excess of £20m. It is a lot to pay for a player with his well documented problems.}

30 May 2013 13:21:14
If rumours about aspas is true we will get a very good player with good work rate nd good finisher. what makes him diffrent from our current strikers is when he shoots he hits nd place ball on the ground rather then lifting in air which makes it harder for goalkeeper to save as more chance of ball squrim under them. most players we have try to get in air hence giving goalkeeper more chances to save. A welcome addition I say nd very timely given sturidge injury (hopefully not long one) as it will give him recovery time required rather then pushing him back due to lack of options.

Harry Oldbury

30 May 2013 12:56:04
Just seen a compilation of Luis Alberto, should we pull the deal off this guy surely looks the real deal, great vision, great passing and great shooting.

I know the video only shows bits of him, but deary me, am I excited.

Put a compilation together on Ryan Babel and if you didn't know who he was you would cream in your kecks, but we all know what happened with Ryan now don't we, why can't people just stay quite and see how these players get on FFS!

Waro

30 May 2013 16:54:15
Why can't you Waro?
Practise what you preach lad!

30 May 2013 12:52:41
Well we as a club have totally missed this golden opportunity to really have a good go next season. Look I have posted on here the last few days about Toure and Aspas as players, they are not awful players there ok it's what they represent MEDIOCRITY, they are ordinary and will not push us on, you have used Couthinho as your example of why the above mentioned are great buys, you have already elevated Couthinho to world class status on the back of a handful of very good games, he has the potential to be world class and hopefully he reaches that level.

I'm sure that Toure and Aspas will do a job on some level, but if you where a rival team ask yourselves honestly, would you think s**t they are getting some top class players in there, they could be big players this season?

Now it looks like Suarez is going and the majority on here are saying good riddance, he is the only genuine world class player we have and you now want rid because he feels he is victimised ( some of it he deserves by the way ) I think he has a case but you do your digging at what I mean there because IMO he has been treated differently to others, but he's not kissing the badge and telling you what you want to hear your all slagging him off, if he's using the victimization thing to get a move then he's out of order but again I can understand it, ask yourselves this, if you played for say Spurs (who are in a better state as a club than us) and Madrid showed interest in you, would you stay at the age of 26 with a club with no champions league football and little chance of winning anything or would you go to a club who can compete at the very top level and possibly give you more money?

Rodgers and the club are going down a very risky path with what they are doing and IMO it will only end in tears, now I won't shed any for Rodgers but I will for my club because yet again we will be left to pick up the pieces, now you can blindly back Rodgers and the club if you like, that is your choice, but my eyes are wide open and trust me there are thousands who fell the same as me.

Feel free to give the usual shouts about supporting another team etc etc, but try and keep it clean, for the Ed's sake as much as anything else;)

Waro

Coutinho has shown he is world class already! Furthermore he is only 20!

Comedy at its best Waro. #surely BGT winner.

Who says we are not going to buy players who will improve our chances of competing?

The window has not even officially opened yet and you are criticising the transfers.

Wait and see what happens before you judge the signings. We certainly need depth in the attacking third.

Calm down fella.

Red Lee

Delsuional much, stop living in the past! Rodgers is not going down a "very dangerous route, " this is the only route given we have no Champs League football and do not have a rich Ogilarch owner throwing cash at us. Give the man a break and offer him and the team your support not constant whining. As you no doubt know Rodgers will be judged on next season's performance in the league so stop wishing him to fail before a ball is even picked!

Ciario80

Ok Waro you have a couple of good points such as Suarez being 26 and its probably the right time for him to step up a class and go to Madrid. I agree he is the only world class player at the club, but one player is not bigger than the club. He is a liability, with a total of 19 games banned in two and a half seasons, don't get me wrong I would love it if he stayed but I would not lose sleep if he goes. On the point you made of both Toure and Aspas saying they are mediocore, I think you need to justify this! Toure is proven and reliable and he will be a squad player, as for Aspas have you seen him play?We have to wait and see, but to slag Rodgers off is just a flipant unjust comment. Look at the situation at Liverpool and what he has done so far has been good. He is building a style of play and wants players who fit into the style and system he is developing. We have over spent for 20 years and the plan is to challenge for the title in the next few years. We cannot think that we are intitled to silverware every year when we have gone backwards for years. What golden opportunity have we missed BTW? Have you actually been watching us the last year, we have played probably the best footy in years, yeh we won cups under Houlier and Rafa, but if you ask me the years we had with forgien coaches no that was mediocrity. Its not about blind trust in the manager its about beliving in the philosophy of the club, its not like the board want us to finish mid table, they have shown signs and backed it with money, be patient my friend all will be well, I look forward to next season when you eat your words as we will smash teams around us and begin to challenge once again under Rodgers! Pls post ed's I appreciate all the hard work. Rodgers is our leader!YNWA oh and happy birthday Stevie G

Footydan {Ed001's Note - just one point, in our heyday we never bought top class players, we bought players who fitted. That seems to be what is happening again. I would rather that than the Chelsea or Real Madrid approach of buying players with no real idea of how they will fit.}

30 May 2013 16:20:30
What a clown! But please keep up the circus! Its entertaining!

Agree with ed, look at our last two signing in sturidge and coutinho. Both not a world class player and struggle in their previous club. They fit with our system and became a great player. That what Liverpool is all about, producing a world classs player. History show most our great player who move on struggle because they only fit in our system. This is much like borussia dortmund, in way thy produce world class player anf when move om they struggle. I prefer this way rather than chelsea or man city transsfer policy.

11 MEDIOCRE players more often than not make a better team than 11 BIG EGO'ED star players christ look at man city and chelsea's squads to uniteds on your world class scale! also was alonso world class when he joined or keegan or rush or hansen or lawrenson etc seriously lad try not to be so bloody negative all the time, what happens if these players turn out to be fantastic, buying a big name is no less of a risk more so in fact as the transfer fee would be astronomical!

30 May 2013 12:31:29
From my research luis alberto seems to play a lot like suso and with coutinho coming in it seems like suso is falling even further down the pecking order. i'm really worried as I believe suso is going to be one of the worlds best players

30 May 2013 09:57:24
Hi eds everyone is talking about reina. An how he is definately going but who will his replacement be.

I really like the idea of trying to sign one of the young german keepers, leno, ter stagen or adler. But then this is taking a risk becuse they have no premier league experience.
Who do you think his replacement will be? {Ed001's Note - I think it will be Begovic, to be honest.}

Wouldn't begovic be quite expensive compared to a vorm or a mignolet tho {Ed001's Note - yes, but he is supposed to be the one the scouts recommend. Though I would not be surprised if we have found another option abroad that I have not heard about. Keeper is a position that you can often find a quality one stranded on the bench as the manager is loath to change a regular one.}

30 May 2013 11:45:38
Eds and reds,

The clause in Suarez's contract isn't that we sell him at the price tag.
It means that Suarez can talk to the clubs and express an interest to leave.
We can still refuse to sell until we are satisfied with the price they offer.

Is this true?

Think so

30 May 2013 08:05:58
Ed02 deserves some credit for the cretins who abused her for telling it like it is with Suarez. She doesn't like talking money on LS because most people here simply refuse to accept that the buyout clause combined with ban and trouble he causes limits his value to 35-40m. As will become clear.

The Rodgers haters will then wring their hands and slate all his signings and predict mid table superiority for ever.

Brendan wanted to keep his best players and replace squad players this summer. Not his fault that Pepe, Luis and Jamie for differing (and legitimate) reasons all want to go. Downing has 2 yrs on his contract so we have to either offer a new one or accept the full 20m fee is lost forever. Skrtel doesn't unit our style and we have a big earner on loan to flog in Carroll.

So a tweak has become an overhaul and I am sure the club has been planning for all scenarios. Have faith that these days we sign good footballers.

How does it limit his value we don't want to sell him and don't have to unless we get the money which we value him at you think real will offer 30 and say your getting no more because of his troubles we can just say okay and keep him

Ed002 said there'd be interest, and there is.
What's the big surprise, and why is everyone going off on one?
Same as last Summer.
If he wants to go, he can.
If not, fine.
So what?
The Juicer

30 May 2013 11:59:04
How much do you think erik lamela will be going for and
is there any interest I'm him

30 May 2013 12:49:11
Excellent player. no chance. signed an extension recently and seems have a huge release clasue

Erik Lamela! If Suarez leaves he should defo be considered as a replacement!

30 May 2013 13:13:53
Are you him? Hehe

Anyways he will cost at least £ 18-20 million and will have big problems getting a work permit.

Malak

30 May 2013 11:53:51
If Bale is being touted around the £80million mark (rip off) we should be holding out for at least £60Mil for our Suarez, should he leave of course.

Levy will play hard ball and so should we regarding Luis.

Crowman.

What makes you think Suarez is worth less than Bale?

30 May 2013 11:42:01
Possible outs such as Carroll, Suarez, skrtle and reina will bring in a lot of money and keep us all busy debating over this transfer window.
It will at least be exciting this year, nothing worse than waiting all summer to just see a couple of squad players come in.
Massive changes at anfield this summer. As well as most of europes big teams I imagine.
We have got to get it right this year, spend the money wisely and we can rock up next season with one he'll of a team.

MIKEY

30 May 2013 11:39:05
How about we talk about Suarez leaving, when he actually leaves! Paranoid, the lot of you. We've supported him too much for him to turn his back on us!

Its not his fault we're incapable of buying decent enough players to play around him (excluding Coutinho and Sturridge). That's why we didn't make top four and that's why he wants to leave. can't blame him for that really. Still paying the price for KD's bad signings.

30 May 2013 11:27:57
Suarez is staying for at least another season. Another Luis at the club this week too.

30 May 2013 11:16:46
Dont think real madrid will sign suarez
Perez mentioned a "But" and a big 1 when he said players don't always fit


Basy

He basically means Suarez is going to cost an arm and a leg!

30 May 2013 11:13:45
How do you think that Alberto and Aspas are going to be used? Which positions? And will Alberto be in reserves like texeira or first team?
Thanks in advance

He scored 11 goals and assisted 17 in the segunda last season! He will be in the first team.

30 May 2013 11:05:26
Somebody at the club should have banned Suarez from talking to radio stations long before now.

I know he has a face for radio but it's an embarrassment.

Goodbye luis, let's see if the Spanish press treat you any better when you inevitably do something stupid over there.

For someone who claims to love the fans he sure knows how to let us down over and over.

MIKEY

30 May 2013 12:29:07
Exactly how I feel! Bored of his antics now : (

Malak

30 May 2013 13:38:57
Suerly he will treated better.
If pepe is still alive playing football means. no problem whatso ever.

Pretty sure he has been

Yeah I felt it was a dumb move and just throwing gasoline on the issue. He says the media is ruining it for him, but he's giving them ammunition at every turn.

30 May 2013 10:50:55
SORRY FELLOW FANS!!

How fickle can we get? One minute we're all writing Suarez off, thinking what money we can get for him, blaming his behaviour etc etc. last night was a bleak night to say the least.
Now, his agent has reiterated what we all know (deep down) that this is the English press, it's Suarez so it's open season on B. S.!
Suarez is a man of his word! When at Ajax, he never asked for a move when teams were after him. He loves LFC, the fans and the city, his family are settled here and we're adding to the squad (great deals so far, Mr Rodgers, very astute!).
Fellow fans, let's not shake with any breeze that comes our way. I ( what do I know!) beleive it's going to be a great season. great! YNWA

To be fair mate, he did throw a bit of a padddy when Ajax were making the transfer difficult - I remember that he did an interview saying he wanted Ajax to respect his wish to move on and that they were ruining his dream of playing at Anfield. He left them nowhere to go. He just won't accept any responsibility for his moronic behaviour.

Fowler99

30 May 2013 10:36:55
'IF' Suarez goes, Carroll and several others, plus £25m from FSG we're have around £100m to spend!
Sounds like another 'transitional' season ahead with the customary 'they need time to gel' comments.

dmedly

30 May 2013 11:56:26
You may be right, although I don't really see an alternative!

WelshBoyDave

30 May 2013 10:33:57
Luis Alberto plays with 9 on his back and plays the game like a striker. He's on loan at barca b from Sevilla (a step down) he's 20 & has scored some very good goals for barca b. He's more llorente than xavi & iniesta at 6ft & has 7 appearances for sevilla in la liga 0 goals

He's mainly an attacking creative midfielder. He wears 9 on his back because its a squad number, means nothing. Gallas used to wear 10 for arsenal, dempsey wears 2 for spurs.
He's nothing like llorente.

30 May 2013 10:25:02
So we have signed two strikers if the reports are to be believed. Now I welcome them, but it has been noted for a long time that our defence was priority. I would rather hear that we spent our budget signing a world class central defender and a good left back.

Have'nt we kinda shot our bolt a bit signing these two young albeit promising forwards. When suarez is sold we will have a hole burning in our proverbial but a very congested forward line up. I would have thought the proceeds of a suarez sale would go on a direct equivalent or there abouts. Unless coutinho is already seen as the person to fill the void. I don't know.

Anyways, Suarez time is up yet again, he has a history of doing stuff like this and no doubt he will be a dick where ever he ends up. I echo the eds in saying that we will more than move on from this but we will flourish, one player doth not maketh a club as jesus once said. I just hope we have played this right and not banked on a Suarez sale before spending all our money on forwards and not investing in our priority areas.

30 May 2013 10:20:22
balague reporting that the player we are getting from barca is a B teamer called luis alberto. sort of attacking midfielder looks like. some videos on youtube.

30 May 2013 10:14:49
sorry for copy and paste.
Luis Alberto (Barcelona B) is the other Spanish player that is about to agree to join Liverpool. A midfielder in the Xavi/Iniesta mould

a person

Redpie {Ed019's Note - Yes we know who Guilleme Ballague is}

Xavi/iniesta mould? alberto belongs to sevilla barca had a option for 5 mil and decided not to buy.

He is loaned out to them

30 May 2013 10:08:58
If Suarez does leave we have already find our replacement in Aspas both technically similar. The Suarez fee will be invested in the midfield area.

So Aspas is as good as Suarez then? What a joke

30 May 2013 12:20:17
Wordsmith you are the joke! Aspas will shock you! that's how good he is!

30 May 2013 10:09:27
Morning eds, what's your opinion on Aspas? Thanks {Ed019's Note - Good hard working player that can play across the front line, who has decent pace, dribbling and finishing. Good competition at the top}

Balague is loving him anyway! Furthermore Spanish players seem to do really well in England.

30 May 2013 10:00:50
Luis alberto is a seville player currently on loan with barcelona b team moptop28

30 May 2013 00:55:08
Ed019, you seem pretty active guy tonight. Unlike a lot of other people I'm more of a take it as it comes kind of guy with football. Sure I'll be a bit gutted if he leaves, but these things happen in football. What I want to know is, if he does go do we have replacements lined up? If so, who are they? And if not, who would you like to see us go on for Ed? Hoping your Wednesday evening is alright.

Dan. {Ed019's Note - Cheers. If Suarez leaves. a big if, I believe that the club will have had a plan in preparation for something like this and we will pursue possible replacements immediately. I think one possible replacement is Sanchez but I do not know of any others. Hopefully Suarez ends up staying, you can never tell with that man}

Eriksen and Sanchez would probably cost around 30-40m. I'd say LFC will get 50 for Suarez. Aspas is also joining in place of Downing so that would leave a front four looking like:
Sanchez Eriksen Coutinho
Sturridge

30 May 2013 09:52:33
How old is this Luis Alberto Eds? Another kid? Holla! {Ed001's Note - 20 I think, not sure when his birthday is, so he could be just turned 21.}

Balague says he's top drawer! He seems really excited with Aspas and the young Barca player. My mate always raves about Aspas but I have never seen him play to be honest. He says he's a proper header too!

21 in September

He turns 21 in September

30 May 2013 09:50:02
Why all the doom and gloom?
So Suarez has said what
He said and done what he done, so what, if he leaves then great more cash for new players. Certainly not the first or last time a player will leave us, get over it.
We have obviously been very busy since at least January sorting our targets out, if what I read is true that's 3 players lined up before the window even opens officially, thanks FSG for backing the team without the sale of players, hoping this means with the money we generate from who ever leaves will be reinvested.
We have replaced plenty of our top scoters in the past and will do it again, selling Suarez now could be a shrewd piece of business, use his fee and the others for 3-4 quality players.
Trust In LFC if he leaves thanks for the amazing football you have shown us and thanks for the 40million or so transfer boost, if he stays great either way we are still LFC

things looking good so far in nice and early for transfers plenty time to replace who leaves


Lifelongred

30 May 2013 09:43:34
I hope this Aspas and Alberto are good players. haha don't get me wrong I love it when players that's fairly unknown are bought and turn out to be real stars (like Coutinho) but this uncertainty is not really comforting. a player like Erikson (unlikely, I know) would settle my nerves a bit. especially now that we're getting money from the Suarez sale (if we sell him)!

30 May 2013 09:34:02
Hi eds just wanderd is luis Alberto a replacement for shelvey or back up to couthino cheers guys. DB {Ed001's Note - not really either.}

30 May 2013 09:32:55
Apparently, the player Ballague is describing is Luis Alberto from Barecelona. Very much in the Xavi / Iniesta mould. Young but quality on the ball highly regarded at Barcelona, but they need to raise funds are trying to do this by offloading many youngsters with one or two the the first team players as well (Fabregas / Sanchez / Villa)

30 May 2013 09:28:31
Balague saying this morning that the next Liverpool signing will be Luis Alberto of Sevilla. Spent last year on loan at Bacelona B where he scored 11 goals and provided 17 assists in 37 games. He says he's very excited about the player (as he also is with Aspas).
Altough I also heard that Barca have until today to decide if they want to sign him on a permanent basis as well.
Not sure who to believe but thought I'd pass it on so others can have a look for themselves.

30 May 2013 09:12:47
Isn't it amazing how just yesterday the thought of Real or Bayern coming in for Suarez filled us with dread. Less than 24 hours later, with Suarez making it blatantly apparent he feels victimized and that he wouldn't turn down a move to Madrid, what we'd hope for in that situation is that BOTH clubs come in and start a bidding war for a hiked up price? The beauty of football eh. Suarez is a genius, but his talks with the press are just getting beyond a joke now. On the plus side, if we were to sell Luis for a fee upwards of £40m early on in the window, this could open up a lot of money and make it much more possible to move for players we've been linked with that have got us all excited. Every dark cloud and all that.

JFT 96

JP

30 May 2013 09:08:56
The Reality about Suarez is.

We've all read his comments and most of us expect he will move on in the summer, initially I was told Madrid would target Falcao, Cavani and Aguero, after all 3 opted to turn them down evidently they decided Suarez was the next best available player. I decided to take a look at the impact this could have on Liverpool if he was sold.

The Bad News
---------------------

Losing Suarez means we would lose 23 goals and 5 assists (assuming he did as well next year as this), which is obviously a big loss to any team not just us.

I think more important than that is the loss of his workrate and tenacity, it's pretty rare to find a striker willing to do so much running who also scores goals. It's against the more negative and closed teams where this becomes important as you need players that work hard in that type of game. There's not many players out there with this type of personality which would score 23 goals a year.

He is also a big game player, performing well and scoring in big games is something which in my opinion is absolutely essential in any player. No good having someone who bullies the weaker teams and then disappears when its important. Suarez just seems to enjoy bullying everyone (figuratively and literally).

The Good News
----------------------

We don't need Suarez. Sounds like a bold statement but when Suarez doesn't play. we still win. Something we couldn't say about Torres or Owen. This is largely due to the fact that we have started getting goals from more players now and not relying on just one player to do everything (same can be said of Gerrard, who's workload has been lightened thanks to Rodgers).

Taking a closer look at Suarez stats for this year, the same criticism can still be aimed at him, he is wasteful. Seems like a silly thing to say of a striker who scored 23 goals but he did have 187 shots and only managed to convert about 12 percent of them into goals. Not the kind of conversion ratio a top striker has (RVP boasted 18. 2), and certainly not irreplaceable. So would we be missing all that much? Not really, Sturridge has performed excellently since arriving and has proven me wrong so far, I'm happy to admit that.

Having looked at incoming newboy Iago Aspas and Strridge together, they actually combine for 23 goals and 9 assists, making up for Suarez (although I expect Aspas production to be a little lower in his first year). In addition to this coutinho has chipped in with 3 goals and 5 assists, which will likely be higher next year also.

So Suarez isn't as necessary as people think. 40m+ for a player who is essentially a luxury player is pretty good business and could solve our real issues from this year, defence and goal keeping.


The Affective
---------------------

I've been a Liverpool fan for quite a while (As have many others) and have seen a lot of strikers come and go, the main reason I'm not worried about suarez leaving is we have always replaced strikers pretty well. Rush was eventually succeeded by Fowler, who was eventually succeeded by Owen, who was eventually succeeded by Torres who was eventually succeeded by Suarez. Why should this time be any different? We have no problems replacing strikers.

It's also worth mentioning that all of these players (except Owen in his year at Madrid) performed worse when they left. They're goal count dropped and their overall play dropped. What you can summise from this is that these players didn't make Liverpool great, Liverpool made them great. Remember that first year of Suarez when he could only convert 4% of his shots to goals (even Skrtle had 5. 1) and scored 11 goals in 29 games? that's the player we signed. The guy who scored 23 goals this year is what we turned him into.

One last thing, some posters on here said that they thought Suarez was in the same league as Messi and Ronaldo, just to show how laughable that is I've brought their stats together.

Player-----Games--Goals--Assists--Shots--%
Messi------32-------46-----12------163---28. 2
Ronaldo----34-------34-----10------235---14. 5
Suarez-----33-------23-----5-------187---12. 2
Sturridge---21-------11-----3-------70----15. 7
Aspas------33-------12-----6-------100---12


Every cloud has a silver lining so they say, We'd be selling a player who's only very marginally more clinical in front of goal than a player in a relegated Celta Vigo side for 40m, and Sturridge has shown to be more than capable in front of goal, and has proven to be a big game player also.

Hope it's been interesting reading, any and all comments are always welcome and appreciated.

It indeed was a nice read. However, there is something in life that Numbers, and stats never show - Leadership skills and team morale.

It is like Carra coming into the team and making the defence look better because of his reading of the game. This is something Suarez does to with his beautiful passes and link up with Sturridge. (We all noticed that). His ability to turn past defenders keeps the opposition on toes (Not that Coutinho and Sturridge won't do that), but with Suarez it is his genius creativity and I think he himself does not know what he will do next so how will the defender know it.

Sorry, I know he is not irreplacable but he would be a great loss to the team, especially as BR wanted to build a team around him

30 May 2013 10:38:00
Neveda.
we haven't beaten a top team in League without suarez.
an awful new castle and relegated qpr added with horrible fulham. doesn't match city, chelseam spurs, UTD, arsenal and even everton.
you are talking about the best defence and midfield in the world.
vidic to kompany.
luis suarez does something which only countinho can manage.
sturridge is a pretty ngood striker and he will finish the chances and waste some. he won't create chances. and once he get isolated upfront. we are screwed.
luis suarez can just turn the game oon his own.
he combines superbly with gerrard, allen, hendo, countinho and sturridge.

Its just like loosing messi for barcelona.

Top Post!

Thank you!

big Al

30 May 2013 11:51:57
Good read mate! Cheers

Malak

Harry, if you look at the records of both players you'll find that this season they both scored against top 6 opposition on 3 occasions. We might not have won against top opposition without him but we only won against top opposition once with him as well so it's not a huge loss.

The comment about leadership is fair enough, but Suarez isn't captain and his diving and moaning don't exactly give out that leadership vibe so again it's not something we'd miss in his absence. sturridge also has half the amount of assists that Suarezis perhaps a bit spurious oes so saying nobody can unlock 33

30 May 2013 13:11:17
You are so clueless beyond limits harry! Suarez is no where near messi and even if barca loose messi they will be just fine. They were the best team in the world before messi, they were the best team in the world before ronaldinho, they were the best team in the world before deco and figo and ronaldo! You clearly don't understand what a player in never bigger than a club means, real madrid was still one of the best teams in the world before ronaldo, before raul and vanesterooy, before laudrup, before figo and ronaldo! Players always move on but the club always stays! Peace

30 May 2013 08:55:44
Good morning eds,

Could you shed some light on a Barcelona B player that is due to sign today? Just watched tv and a person was being interviewed and said that its not all doom and gloom for Liverpool as Suarez is definitely on way out and the next xavi/iniesta is due to sign this afternoon.

Thanks Aaron

30 May 2013 08:49:01
Luis Alberto is the second player who will join from Barcelona B. A person confirms.

CC

This info supplied by Grimsby red.
There is a video on you tube he looks a lot like coutinho. tv telephone interview with Gilmer ballgame is where the info came from

Looks like we are buying some very exciting players
Still need some big lads for mid winter games against the likes of Stoke and Everton

He is not a barca player he was on loan to barca b from sevilla.