Liverpool Rumours Archive June 19 2013

19 Jun 2013 20:33:01
What is the Christian Atsu latest?

Still wanting to join spurs??

Done deal IMO. 3-5m. Not sure bout this one myself as he has a temper. badddd

Be a good signing all the best players have a bit of bite in them excuse the pun (luis)

He is over rated is the latest

Just had his weetabix now he's off to bed

HB

19 Jun 2013 22:56:26
"He is over rated is the latest"? That post is top inside information?! Wish I knew we're you got your inside information from.

19 Jun 2013 23:40:49
Looks a quick player, bit of a hot head at times potential to be an excellent addition to the squad. People whinging because he isn't already a superstar is what seems to be the latest. The same people usually then say when the player signs for someone else and performs that we should have bid more.

19 Jun 2013 14:17:18
Hi Eds and fellow readers.

Just to confirm that LFC.com has confirmed Carroll has joined WHU.

Thanks for the info!

It can't be true!

That feeling yesterday when it was confirmed was brilliant, one of th most exciting moment yet of this window.

Now just get rid of suarez and try to get hulk with the money

19 Jun 2013 13:49:09
Marca reporting Sevilla have now accepted offer of 7.5 million euros for Luis Alberto

THIS is why we leaked media reports of bidding for Christian Atsu. in order to prevent Sevilla from increasing the price on Luis Alberto.

And it worked. {Ed002's Note - Liverpool are paying twice what Barcelona rejected him at. Idiot.}

Wow, that's a bit harsh!

Don't sign Atsu FFS. He is absolutely headless from the footage available on him. Goes passed people but no end product in cross or goals. The Hungarian lad at Moscow we are apparently into looks much better

Daniellambretta

***Ed002's Note - Liverpool are paying twice what Barcelona rejected him at. person. ***

Could have been worse though, with the way Sevilla's president was talking. Plus Barcelona negotiated a fee last year, prior to his value going up during this past season. The fact they didn't want him could be related to other factors such as already having plenty of options available for his position (s).

Wow nice reply by the ed

Agreed, Atsu will bring nothing more than Assaidi did this season

Assaidi on brought a cushion and a flask with him! treated disgracefully IMHO

Don't want Atsu

19 Jun 2013 09:17:47
Ed02 I seen that you just said about being concerned about the quality of players we are bringing in like Atsu. What's your opinion on Liverpools transfer so far and how do you think we will do next season?

I know you don't like opinionated questions really but pretty please just want to know if you think we could get top 4 as well. Thanks :)

London red {Ed002's Note - My concern is that the money being discussed for the likes of Alberto and Mkhitaryan is on the high side, although I would take nothing away from Mkhitaryan as a player. Talking to folks who know much more than I about the Iberian game -they are very surprised that Rodgers is looking at players like Alberto and Atsu just from a "quality" perspective - an Spanish ex-EPL player described them as "Fulham-type players" in an email to me. They are decent players but are they a real improvement? Toure will bring experience and you can see why it has been done - but at a price. A couple of centre backs are needed - Ilori plus one. The feeling from those in the know is that Aspas will turn out to be a very shrewd buy.}

Atsu is very poor and there are better options available. He is all pace and nothing else and we have sterling who is just as quick and has skill and an end product too. BR avoid Atsu; he is no improvement.
Puzzled Red

The 'quality' argument is a valid one in my opinion. Atsu and Alberto look like decent young players who of course have potential. But we need players who already have the quality to go straight into the side. Mkhitaryan would look like a great signing if pulled off but won't be enough to get into top 4 in my opinion. We need proven quality to push us forward. However it's great to see business getting done early. YNWA

Great insight Ed.
Just hope Schalke reduce their asking price for Papa as he is the CB I am most sold on.
Just don't get it how can they demand 18-20 million for him after the injury hit season while the had accepted an offer of around 16 million from Zenit before. {Ed002's Note - Manchester City, Dortmund and Chelsea were surprised how high the asking price was - which given his injury problems made them nervous. Chelsea are now looking elsewhere and Dortmund signed Sokratis from Werder Bremen. Maybe Liverpool should not have walked away from Alderweireld because of his price so easily.}

I completely agree ed! Atsu and Alberto are no better than Suso and Sterling.

I agree. I don't see Alberto and Atsu as an improvement on Suso or Sterling.

Ed002, do you think we are seeing a flurry of activity at LFC keeping in mind the FFP?

I think this will be LFC's major transfer window for a while yet, unless we become self sufficient, which could be over 2-3 seasons.

The real AG {Ed002's Note - It will be nothing to do with FFP.}

Ed, totalling agree with you but we also need to add to our squad depth as well as quality. I can't see Shelvey as any better than Alberto and that seems a swap for him

Astu is seen as a replacement for Downing, who is also a 'Fulham' player, who is on big wages.

Agree with you ED but for 5m and 3m respectively then their values can't go down any more? {Ed002's Note - So you agree that he is adding nothing?}

Gosh,

That doesn't give me much hope but is this a case of Rogers preferred targets or is he working with the money he has? {Ed002's Note - They are clearly targets.}

I have to agree with Ed 002. Henrikh had a great last season but spending 20m+ seems excessive when you consider the likes of thiago, strootman and isco can be bought for a similar price. As for Alberto, paying 8m for a la liga reserve player is far too high, granted I have not seen him play but it is concerning. On one hand it is exciting seeing so many players bring linked but then again we could have as many as 6/7 new squad players with some of them going straight into the first team. I just hope BR knows what he is doing.

I'm not concerned with Mkhitaryan as he is a quality player, but I do have concerns as to what his role would be in the team. Assuming we continue Rodgers' preferred formation, and assuming that Coutinho is classed as a 'forward' in a front 3, where does Heno play? He doesn't suit playing wide in a front 3, so he'll play midfield. Lucas, Gerrard, Allen, Henderson. 2 of those won't play. You can assume one is Henderson, despite his form this past season. Who else gets dropped? Stevie? Not likely! Lucas? The only defensive midfielder we have. Allen? Teachers pet? Strength in depth is one thing, but certain players aren't going to accept being bit-part players at a club

Atsu will be a squad player and take Assaidi's place. He is a better player than Assaidi and will add more to the squad. I don't see the big issue?

In regards to Alberto, he is 20 years old and very highly rated in Spain. He can play up front or AM/L/R. People who know Barcelona's B team very well have stated that Alberto would get into any team in La Liga other than Barcelona and both Madrid teams. I assume he will be more involved in the first 11 than Atsu.

I don't see what the major issue is? Last season we lacked squad depth, these two players will help with that this season. It's as simple as that.

Atsu is an upgrade on Assaidi. Alberto is an upgrade on Sterling/Suso. Who will both more than likely go out on loan.

I agree totally with this trail of thought but we must remember it is what Rodgers does with these players. It is not what they are but what they can be that we invest in as a club and turning promise into quality is why we employed Rodgers in the first place. Purchases like this is the only way to close the gap on those above that can go out and buy the finished product everytime. Some of these buys won't work but many will
TSB {Ed002's Note - Sometimes it is perhaps better not to buy just for the sake of it. At least it will give the excuse of "we're in transition" again if needed.}

Well atsu got to be an improvement downing, wages wise any way.

I can't even begin to believe that half the people commenting have even seen these boys in action enough to comment.

I for one haven't and no amount of looking at youtube highlights will change that miopic view. You don't get the full 90 minutes of highlights, how they run off the ball, tracking back, making space, channel runs that they don't receive etc.

P. S Sterling is NOT that pacey, stop overslling him there please fans! He got caught a numerous amount of times by the full backs, no where near lennon or walcott in pace, or Bales acceleration for that matter.

Well I think it's great business! Getting rid of downing, reina, skrtel, carroll and carra wages and bringing in young players on low wages is very good busines from fsg. The only players for the first team will be mignolet, toure and mhitaryan. Alberto and atsu are back up. We need to send suso, sterling, Robinson etc to get games just like Chelsea did with sturridge and arsenal did with wilshere it makes them better stronger players! We are building a very young hungry side and need to believe in rodgers!
Frosty ynwa

19 Jun 2013 12:01:11
"Spanish ex-EPL player"

Anyone got any idea?

I'll throw Gaizka Mendieta's name into the hat!

An Dun Red

Frosty
Hit the nail on the head. I agree with you this is all about building a strong, young and hungry squad within the new FIFA Fair Play rules.
We need a bit of luck next year. (ie goalposts) and if Suarez stays we look very good (I won't hold my breath on Suarez though, but you never know)

Ed I believe that Alberto and Astu show more potential than Shelvey and Downing, on lower wages and for low transfer fees.

Over and above that if we keep Shelvey and Downing then we will have more squad depth?

Clearly our scouting department have seen these players more than you or I would have so we must respect their decision in any case.

In terms of signings, given that we aren't a champions league side, what do people expect? The players you want won't ever come to us YET. So we have to find the up and comings, its a very good policy. It worked with Sturridge and Coutinho, why can't it work for Astu and Alberto?

One final point, I have heard that Alberto is a great player, coming from Guillem Balague and jason pettigrove, respected spanish football journalists {Ed002's Note - Much is expected of Luis Alberto but he has only played a handful of first class games - and none in the past year.}

Atsu is a winger who is obviously better suited to playing full back, just as Bale was a full back that was obviously better suited to being a winger.

I do not see enough of either player to fully judge although Atsu I am more concerned about. However, as someone else said we do have quite a thin squad I think and we need people that can be good backup.
While neither player may be world class they both have elements of their game that could change things. Skill and with Atsu very fast wingers and both young. I remember Walcott was all pace and no delivery and I think that has changed and he can win matches.

I do agree eds that we already have some good young players but I do think we probably need more young talent with maybe 2-3 more significant buys-Mick, and Pop for example
Gareth

Some no name above me has just said Sterling isn't very quick. Words fail me.

I'm not sure Atsu will be a starter though because if we are playing a 4-3-3 I reckon it will be Coutinho-Sturridge-Aspas. He's got pace to burn and if the fee of 3-5m being thrown around is true, it may not be a bad backup. Alberto I wouldn't worry about. For now he is not what we need but for the future he is a good prospect. Toure as we all know is backup (but an expensive one in terms of wages).
My worry is if we do sell Suarez will we see an improvement in quality coming in? I hope so because apart from Mkhitaryan and Aspas there hasn't really been anything to get excited about. Cheers.
ROI.

For me the players comming in will bring a lot more than Downing henderson and jonjo. as for suarez my views on him are clear. he can stay or go, the club comes first.

R2tB

Also, two transfer windows ago we were buying all the English ''talent'' for inflated prices. So either way LFC can't win with their transfer policies! I get the impression that because the readers haven't seen these players play then they assume they aren't very good, I would highlight Coutinho in that as he was questionned.

I have a feeling that people are looking at the fee's not the quality.

And I feel that Astu and, in particular, Alberto, fit into BR system more than Shelvey and Downing ever would. If we are going down the route of BR style then these are the young players he wants.

We said at the beginning that this was an important window for BR. So far he has delivered IMO.

Downing would be a squad player next year and is on approx 60k.
Replacing him with a player (Atsu) who say is going to be on 20k will save 2M on wage bill.
Downing should command 5-10M transfer fee, let's say 7M. Atsu is reportedly 3M. So with wages and transfer fee that will be 6M profit. Obviously there will be loyalty bonus, contract pay-off and agent fees. that will knock it down further. So say that's another 4M on transfer budget - might be important for getting Papa etc.

Best, unbiased, hibest and informed reply to a question I've heard.
Garth Sydney

Surely if Liverpool's scouting team has scouted these players in detail they will be better placed than Ed002's contacts to judge their level of quality / potential. But thanks for sharing Ed002, we shall wait to see how they progress with great interest.

Ed02 is spot on. We should be concerned about BRs targets which are mediocre at the best. I hope Suarez does not leave otherwise his money will be squandered to fuel his philosophy. I hope we do not become Swansea of Merseyside.

Eds, In your opinion why are we overpaying for targets? {Ed002's Note - That is something we cannot answer.}

I have to agree with ROI's post above, that despite us bringing in some young talented players, players such as Alberto and Atsu that whilst being young are certainly not currently able to walk right into the first team and with Suarez presumably leaving, the signings of Iago Aspas and Henrikh Mkhitaryan as talented as both appear to be is not a huge improvement on what we already have. Rumours were that initially when Suarez's departure wasn't as expected that we were being linked (maybe inaccurately) to players such as Eriksen so it appears that was a position we were looking to strengthen regardless of Suarez leaving. This would suggest that Aspas is a direct replacement for Suarez if this was to be the case.

In my personal opinion, despite my backing of Rodgers completely I have to say that I think that even with the potential signings of Mkhitaryan and Aspas, coupled with squad players such as Alberto and Atsu, we don't look particularly improved from last season due to Suarez leaving. With possible departures such as Downing and Assaidi too the squad won't have improved much either. Personally I would love to see us sign another wide player to Atsu, Ed mentioned players such as Ince and Tello both of whom I believe to be much better value for money and offer a different attacking dimension and would certainly be more effective than purely a pacy super-sub. However if this is to save up for two solid defenders, maybe Ilori and Papadopoulos then I can see the logic. Hope to hear your opinions.
Cheers Ed.

One final point, I have already made three.

If we weren't buying anybody then we would be complaining about that. We always knew the remit was to buy young players with a good resale value. that's exactly what they have done.

Draw your mind back to two years ago, when we paid 6mil for Adam, 20mil for henderson and 20mil for downing. We have now, or getting astu, alberto, mk and aspas for less than that combined fee. I know what I would rather, but hind sight is wonderful

Only time will tell.

Woah, overpaying for targets? Only time will judge that.

19 Jun 2013 14:25:16
they are both young and not really proven so they can't really be "fulham style players"

Maybe what you say about atsu and alberto is true but i'm not going to say anything bad about any new signings until I see them playing after sturridge who I thought was an awful buy when we signed him. Really hope these two proove people wrong as well

They can't be any worse than Downing and Henderson who both cost a hell of a lot more money

I agree about atsu ed002, not what we require at all especially with players like affelay becoming available. The jury is still out for me regarding Alberto, may turn out to be a gem but could easily become another pacheco. Micky has potential to be a very good signing, but still not overwhelmed with him, let me explain, when we bought coutinho I was creaming myself. BUT, as I have said previously, I will support whoever we bring in and hope they turn out to be surprise signings ala sturridge.

The key for me in this window is whether we buy a QUALITY CB to partner both Toure and Agger and eventually become our dominant CB ala Hypia. We will never progress until we sort this area out. Personally I would give whatever shalke want for Papa, I see him becoming a rock for us if we can sort out his niggling injury problems.

Fulham type players as back up for our squad. Ok.
Doesn't mean they aren't premiership squad standard;
Edwin van de sar
Brede Hangeland
Clint Dempsey
Danny Murphy
Steed Malbranque
Steve Finnan
Ray Houghton

SpudRed

I'm with Ed on this. It worries me that we are buying expensive squad players rather than 1st team players. Manchester United over the years have not gone out and spent ?Ǭ£40m on 5 or 6 players they have spent it on 2 quality players that will improve their 1st team. I think this is where we keep making mistakes

Emperor's new clothes all over again.
The people who claim "these are exciting times" are the exact same ones who'd have been saying "give Tom and George a break".

This Summer looks like its going to kill LFC : (

I remember at the young ages Carlos Tevez and mascherano bench warmed for west ham. Guess what! They were west ham types of players at there young age. But then . .

Red murph

Utter nonsense about W Ham.
Tevez was their World Cup star. Masch was a pivotal player too. Masch wasnt played due to registration rule breaks.
|Both were universally accepted as fantastic players, but could potentially incur the wrath of the FA.

What we're seeing signed up is mid or even lower end table players. What we're seeing leave are top top players.
It is Tom Hicks ALL OVER AGAIN!
How can you be so blind!!

19 Jun 2013 08:18:18
Hi Eds just read some reports saying our bid for Mkhitaryan was turned down and Dortmund might be interested. Can you provide any updates on the situation? I really hope that we get him. {Ed002's Note - I have had no feedback regarding approaches made to Dortmund and Bayern Munich at this time. For now, the interest from Liverpool will be more attractive to the player and his representatives than any interest from Italy - but time will prove to be a problem as he is continuing to be offered to other clubs. As of last night I understand that Liverpool has made an offer to Shakhtar and are actively discussing a deal for the player. I still expect that a deal can be brokered.}

19 Jun 2013 10:01:56
And that is why we love Ed2! Thank you for the info Ed, and always keeping us updated when news comes in

Ed don't you reckon sometimes our fans really get worried over everything?

On another note any interest from LFC in any decent LB?
not to replace Enrique but for competition as Enrique seems to suffer continous niggling injuries. Also if I remember correctly Ed001 mention we were monitoring Alex Sandro of Porto and the young Athletico LB.
This is with the view that Robinson is likely to be loaned out for the season. {Ed052's Note - nothing new on LBs}

19 Jun 2013 00:56:12
ed's could u please answer the question what is the latest on mickey have we made a bid because i'm getting confused with reports of him some saying he's having a medical some saying we haven't even made a bid some sayin we just agreed a fee so far and in still in negotiation I used the the search engine not really helping me thanks lfc-liquid {Ed002's Note - A bid was made and discussions have been going on. My understanding as of last night is agreement has yet to be reached but I still expect it to be.}

19 Jun 2013 02:37:02
Wigan in talks to loan Jack Robinson for season

Great stuff for Jack, he needs as much competitive football as he can get and I have an admiration for Coyle getting quality performances out of young players with the right man management and coaching, so it's a win win, i'd personally like to see him take another youth lad on loan from us as well.

Hearing Jol and Fulham want Wisdom on loan for the season, i'd personally allow and sanction that loan as well on the condition Wisdom would play a decent enough amount of matches and we have enough strength in numbers. Jol's teams try and play expansive football which is positive, let the lad get a full season under his belt in the Prem and we get back a more complete player who's more able to handle the pressure in a lesser team fighting tooth and nail.

I'm all for loaning the youth out, i'd like to see Connor Coady and Adorjan go out on loan as well as I think they need competitive games as much as anyone right now.

Well at least he will be the only Liverpool player playing in Europe this season.

To be fair, it would be a great move, as they need a left back (Figueroa just gone) so should get games, as they will play quite a few this season!
John Wigan