Liverpool Football Club 08/09

Historicus wrote:Chelsea willing to pay £85M for Liverpool's Torres
tribalfootball.com - July 01, 2008

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is prepared to pay a mind-boggling £85 MILLION for Liverpool star Fernando Torres.

The Daily Star says Chelsea's billionaire owner was an admiring onlooker here on Sunday night as the brilliant Liverpool striker dominated Spain's European Championship victory over Germany.

Torres was man of the match in every way and how Chelsea would love to prise him away from Anfield.

Their first reported offer of £50m was laughed away by Liverpool and Torres has admitted he has no wish to quit Merseyside.

However, if Liverpool hint at any weakness, Abramovich would be ready to pay more than Real Madrid's planned £70 million bid for Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo.

A weekly salary of more than £200,000 a week is not out of the question as Abramovich is determined to bankroll his club into European winners.

http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=100726

If true, Torres' value would be higher than Ronaldo's. Just more proof as to who's really better?

That settles it.

Liverpool Football Club have today completed the sale of Anthony Le Tallec to Le Mans.

The French forward spent last season on loan at Stade Léon-Bollée – one of a string of temporary deals since arriving at Anfield in 2003.

Despite his Reds career never really taking off, Le Tallec did feature in the 2005 Champions League run, playing superbly in the quarter-final against Juventus.

Liverpoolfc.tv wishes him well for the future.

http://football365.com/story/0,17033,8750_3767018,00.html

Here are a few questions for Benitez on behalf of Liverpool fans on the direction of their club:


Why, when central midfield is potentially the strongest area of your team, are you expending so much time and effort into purchasing another one?

Exactly what will Gareth Barry bring to the side that Xabi Alonso does not?

Given one of Barry's appeals is his versatility, will Liverpool end up spending close to a club record fee on a makeshift left-back?

Why do you continually sign players that are clearly stop-gaps, then ship them out when it becomes clear that they are not good enough? Jermaine Pennant, Yossi Benayoun, Craig Bellamy, Mark Gonzalez - the list goes on. It's little better than building a side full of loan players.

Last season the addition of Fernando Torres made an impact on the side worth so much more than simply his goals - why are similar 'impact' players not your transfer priority?

Liverpool are constantly linked with the likes of Stewart Downing, David Bentley and James Milner, when players such as David Silva, Samir Nasri, Hatem Ben Arfa and Mancini are or have been available for similar, if not lower prices. Why continue the obsession with one-paced Englishmen when more dynamic alternatives are available?

The success of Torres last season was largely down to deploying him as a lone striker with Steven Gerrard behind him. However, this success of course relies on Gerrard maintaining his fitness throughout the season. Why has more attention not been paid to signing a replacement/back-up to him? With Real Zaragoza's relegation, Pablo Aimar would be an ideal and relatively cheap option.

And with that dynamic in mind, why do you seem to be showing interest in Robbie Keane, a man who has thrived in big man/small man partnerships at Spurs, and yet seem intent on selling Peter Crouch?

You complain constantly that you need significant financial muscle to compete with Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, but why when you are given funds do you spread it so thinly on relative mediocrity?

Here are a few questions for Benitez on behalf of Liverpool fans on the direction of their club:


Why, when central midfield is potentially the strongest area of your team, are you expending so much time and effort into purchasing another one?

Agree

Exactly what will Gareth Barry bring to the side that Xabi Alonso does not?

A left foot and being Stevie's mate

Given one of Barry's appeals is his versatility, will Liverpool end up spending close to a club record fee on a makeshift left-back?

Unlikely - we have Aurelio and Insua there and Dossena coming in(?)

Why do you continually sign players that are clearly stop-gaps, then ship them out when it becomes clear that they are not good enough? Jermaine Pennant, Yossi Benayoun, Craig Bellamy, Mark Gonzalez - the list goes on. It's little better than building a side full of loan players.

Well Pennant and Benayoun have not been shipped out although I would agree that they are not good enough to be first-teamers. Bellamy got us more than our money back. Gonzalez only cost a couple of mill I think?

Last season the addition of Fernando Torres made an impact on the side worth so much more than simply his goals - why are similar 'impact' players not your transfer priority?

Well cost, obviously, although if we pay £17m for Barry it kind of undermines this argument.

Liverpool are constantly linked with the likes of Stewart Downing, David Bentley and James Milner, when players such as David Silva, Samir Nasri, Hatem Ben Arfa and Mancini are or have been available for similar, if not lower prices. Why continue the obsession with one-paced Englishmen when more dynamic alternatives are available?

I would be amazed to see Silva move for a similar price to Downing, Bentley or Milner.

The success of Torres last season was largely down to deploying him as a lone striker with Steven Gerrard behind him. However, this success of course relies on Gerrard maintaining his fitness throughout the season. Why has more attention not been paid to signing a replacement/back-up to him? With Real Zaragoza's relegation, Pablo Aimar would be an ideal and relatively cheap option.

Aimar has only once scored more than 5 goals in a season and last season scored none in 22 games. He is hardly a Gerrard backup.

And with that dynamic in mind, why do you seem to be showing interest in Robbie Keane, a man who has thrived in big man/small man partnerships at Spurs, and yet seem intent on selling Peter Crouch?

I think that Keane could partner with Torres, or play the 'Kuyt' role on the right, equally effectively.

You complain constantly that you need significant financial muscle to compete with Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, but why when you are given funds do you spread it so thinly on relative mediocrity?

Some valid criticism/ questioning here, but a lot of the usual recycled bullshit.

Roger Hunt wrote:

Here are a few questions for Benitez on behalf of Liverpool fans on the direction of their club:


Why, when central midfield is potentially the strongest area of your team, are you expending so much time and effort into purchasing another one?

Agree

Exactly what will Gareth Barry bring to the side that Xabi Alonso does not?

A left foot and being Stevie's mate
(Also proven EPL quality in truth)

Given one of Barry's appeals is his versatility, will Liverpool end up spending close to a club record fee on a makeshift left-back?

Unlikely - we have Aurelio and Insua there and Dossena coming in(?)

Why do you continually sign players that are clearly stop-gaps, then ship them out when it becomes clear that they are not good enough? Jermaine Pennant, Yossi Benayoun, Craig Bellamy, Mark Gonzalez - the list goes on. It's little better than building a side full of loan players.

Well Pennant and Benayoun have not been shipped out although I would agree that they are not good enough to be first-teamers. Bellamy got us more than our money back. Gonzalez only cost a couple of mill I think?
(Gonzalez cost around £4M I think, not sure. I personally think he wasn't given a proper chance but accroding to some folk his attidude stunk and he had a falling out with Rafa)

Last season the addition of Fernando Torres made an impact on the side worth so much more than simply his goals - why are similar 'impact' players not your transfer priority?

Well cost, obviously, although if we pay £17m for Barry it kind of undermines this argument.

Liverpool are constantly linked with the likes of Stewart Downing, David Bentley and James Milner, when players such as David Silva, Samir Nasri, Hatem Ben Arfa and Mancini are or have been available for similar, if not lower prices. Why continue the obsession with one-paced Englishmen when more dynamic alternatives are available?

I would be amazed to see Silva move for a similar price to Downing, Bentley or Milner.
(Rafa has said winning the EPL would be his greatest achievement by far and obviously his belief is that we need EPL Proven quality players who know the in and out of a gruelling season. Also that stupid limit on foreigners rule/Bring more English through could well have clouded his judgement. Who knows really???)

The success of Torres last season was largely down to deploying him as a lone striker with Steven Gerrard behind him. However, this success of course relies on Gerrard maintaining his fitness throughout the season. Why has more attention not been paid to signing a replacement/back-up to him? With Real Zaragoza's relegation, Pablo Aimar would be an ideal and relatively cheap option.

Aimar has only once scored more than 5 goals in a season and last season scored none in 22 games. He is hardly a Gerrard backup.

And with that dynamic in mind, why do you seem to be showing interest in Robbie Keane, a man who has thrived in big man/small man partnerships at Spurs, and yet seem intent on selling Peter Crouch?

I think that Keane could partner with Torres, or play the 'Kuyt' role on the right, equally effectively.

You complain constantly that you need significant financial muscle to compete with Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, but why when you are given funds do you spread it so thinly on relative mediocrity?

Some valid criticism/ questioning here, but a lot of the usual recycled bullshit.

Can'd add much more to Roge's comments as I echo them.

Except the grim reality check Silva, who said he doesn't want to move today, will be totally out of our price region after the Euros. Thank God for denial eh

Seville: The Arbeloa could be plugged

The transfer could reach ten million.

Alvaro Arbeloa could be blocked from 'Monchi'. The directive hispalense saving the 'as' up its sleeve if not for the specific operation Squillaci.

In Pizjuán are convinced proximamene able to close the signing of central Olympique Lyon, but have a 'Plan B' if in the end everything is broken. That second plan would be Arbeloa, Liverpool defence.

The problem is that the canterano meringue is by no means cheap, in fact Liverpool would impact on a team that made him spend a lot when Daniel Alves was his number one goal. We are talking about an operation that would overcome the famous eight million euros.

With Arbeloa already are three names that have Del Nido on the table to reinforce the defence of the club hispalense.

Goal.com - Fichajes - Sevilla: El tapado podría ser Arbeloa

(Twasn't me who translated it by the way )

Republic boss Trapattoni tells Keane to bolt for Liverpool | Mail Online

Giovanni Trapattoni last night urged his Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane to join Liverpool. The Irish coach believes the Tottenham striker will become a more complete player by playing in the Champions League under Rafa Benitez.

Trapattoni said: ‘I don’t know what is happening with Liverpool at the moment but I would be very happy for him (to move). I hope it happens for him because it will be a big challenge. It would be important for him and important for us.’

Ade Alonso wrote:Seville: The Arbeloa could be plugged

The transfer could reach ten million.

Alvaro Arbeloa could be blocked from 'Monchi'. The directive hispalense saving the 'as' up its sleeve if not for the specific operation Squillaci.

In Pizjuán are convinced proximamene able to close the signing of central Olympique Lyon, but have a 'Plan B' if in the end everything is broken. That second plan would be Arbeloa, Liverpool defence.

The problem is that the canterano meringue is by no means cheap, in fact Liverpool would impact on a team that made him spend a lot when Daniel Alves was his number one goal. We are talking about an operation that would overcome the famous eight million euros.

With Arbeloa already are three names that have Del Nido on the table to reinforce the defence of the club hispalense.

Goal.com - Fichajes - Sevilla: El tapado podría ser Arbeloa

(Twasn't me who translated it by the way )

Trying to read that hurt my head.

10 million for Arbeloa would be nice though, provided that's pounds, not euros btw

Historicus wrote:

Ade Alonso wrote:Seville: The Arbeloa could be plugged

The transfer could reach ten million.

Alvaro Arbeloa could be blocked from 'Monchi'. The directive hispalense saving the 'as' up its sleeve if not for the specific operation Squillaci.

In Pizjuán are convinced proximamene able to close the signing of central Olympique Lyon, but have a 'Plan B' if in the end everything is broken. That second plan would be Arbeloa, Liverpool defence.

The problem is that the canterano meringue is by no means cheap, in fact Liverpool would impact on a team that made him spend a lot when Daniel Alves was his number one goal. We are talking about an operation that would overcome the famous eight million euros.

With Arbeloa already are three names that have Del Nido on the table to reinforce the defence of the club hispalense.

Goal.com - Fichajes - Sevilla: El tapado podría ser Arbeloa

(Twasn't me who translated it by the way )

Trying to read that hurt my head.

10 million for Arbeloa would be nice though, provided that's pounds, not euros btw

Even if it is in pounds, it is still more than fairly tempting. I cannot for the sake of me remember what we bought him for if even we did buy him but I'd assume since it is a Spainish article it would be in euros.

DEGEN SIGNS FOUR YEAR ANFIELD DEAL

The 25-year-old - who was an unused substitute during the recent European Championships - has opted for a new career with the Reds after his contact at Borussia Dortmund expired last season.

Degen becomes the first new arrival at Anfield this summer, with left back Andrea Dossena likely to follow in his footsteps over the coming days.

After agreeing to sign Degen last month, manager Rafael Benitez said: "Philipp is still young but has gained great experience from playing in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund and on the international stage with Switzerland. He also played in the Champions League during his time with Basel and so is used to top level football.

"He is an offensive player with great energy and a winning mentality. His strength is going forward and I am confident he will be prove to be a quality addition to our squad."

He added: "Sometimes you can find these players on the market. When you find a player like him who costs no money it means you can use money for improving other parts of the squad.

"He is a good signing, a player of potential, who can help us improve in the wide areas."

Degen began his career with FC Basel in 1996, making his debut five years later.

Four seasons in the first team followed, during which he claimed three league titles and one domestic cup.

His time at St Jakob Park also gave him a taste of Champions League football. In fact, Degen was an unused sub when Basel claimed a 1-1 draw at Anfield in 2002-03.

In 2005 the defender joined the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund.

Degen, who featured four times for his country in the 2006 World Cup, spent three years with the German giants, the last of which was blighted by injury.

The full-back recovered in time for Euro 2008, a tournament co-hosted by Switzerland. Unfortunately he did not feature as the Swiss failed to negotiate the group stages.

Degen, who is fluent in French and German, has a twin, David, who also plays professional football.

Degenmania has begun

We paid 2.5m pounds for Arbeloa

Ade Alonso wrote:

Even if it is in pounds, it is still more than fairly tempting. I cannot for the sake of me remember what we bought him for if even we did buy him but I'd assume since it is a Spainish article it would be in euros.

There is no point in selling him. We would just be spending equivalent money on someone else (assuming of course degen is as $h!t as we are told he is). We need to keep all of our spanish contingent. The more spanish (alonso, arbeloa, silva plz) and less english (barry, milner, downing) the better

TOTTENHAM are still in the running to sign Bayern Munich forward Lukas Podolski, according to reports.

The Daily Telegraph claim that the Germany international is being lined up as a potential replacement for Robbie Keane, who has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool.

The Reds have put a player-plus-cash deal involving Peter Crouch is rumoured to be on the table, but Spurs are reluctant to sell one of their prize assets.

Podolski enjoyed an excellent tournament at Euro 2008, finishing joint second-top goalscorer behind Spain's David Villa with three goals.
And as a result he has been attracting plenty of attention from Europe's top clubs.

The 23-year-old has struggled to establish himself in Bayern's first-team plans, and if he is not convinced to stay by new boss Jurgen Klinsmann he will look elsewhere for regular first-team football.

McAteer has also said on LFCTV and The Irish Independent that Keane's 'desperate to come here'. Macca is one of Robbie's best mates from their days together in the Ireland set up.

COTR wrote:

Ade Alonso wrote:

Even if it is in pounds, it is still more than fairly tempting. I cannot for the sake of me remember what we bought him for if even we did buy him but I'd assume since it is a Spainish article it would be in euros.

There is no point in selling him. We would just be spending equivalent money on someone else (assuming of course degen is as $h!t as we are told he is). We need to keep all of our spanish contingent. The more spanish (alonso, arbeloa, silva plz) and less english (barry, milner, downing) the better

Do see your point but Anyukov from Zenit would be more than ideal.
IF the £10M is true, Anyukov would be around that price. He is the only person I could see improving on Arbeloa that would be a realistic signing and we have connections with Zenit(Skrtel)

Heard from a mate Kewell willsign for Galatasaray, hard to imagine but just something i heard.

http://www.galatasaray.org/kulup/haber/1386.php

Can't read Turkish, but that's what Wiki cites for saying Harry's signed there

The fat twat has been linked with Celtic, Roma , Real Betis, LA Galaxy and some shite in the Bundesliga.

Whoever signs him, I pity them greatly.

Crippe and wants £60,000 a week

Ade Alonso wrote:

COTR wrote:

Ade Alonso wrote:

Even if it is in pounds, it is still more than fairly tempting. I cannot for the sake of me remember what we bought him for if even we did buy him but I'd assume since it is a Spainish article it would be in euros.

There is no point in selling him. We would just be spending equivalent money on someone else (assuming of course degen is as $h!t as we are told he is). We need to keep all of our spanish contingent. The more spanish (alonso, arbeloa, silva plz) and less english (barry, milner, downing) the better

Do see your point but Anyukov from Zenit would be more than ideal.
IF the £10M is true, Anyukov would be around that price. He is the only person I could see improving on Arbeloa that would be a realistic signing and we have connections with Zenit(Skrtel)

Why do we want to get rid of Arbeloa? technically sound, energetic young full backs aren't ten to the dozen, i'd like to think hes got a long future with ourselves and will only get better, for my money hes a bit like Lahm plays better on the left even though he favors his right foot.

Football Genius wrote:

Ade Alonso wrote:

COTR wrote:

Ade Alonso wrote:

Even if it is in pounds, it is still more than fairly tempting. I cannot for the sake of me remember what we bought him for if even we did buy him but I'd assume since it is a Spainish article it would be in euros.

There is no point in selling him. We would just be spending equivalent money on someone else (assuming of course degen is as $h!t as we are told he is). We need to keep all of our spanish contingent. The more spanish (alonso, arbeloa, silva plz) and less english (barry, milner, downing) the better

Do see your point but Anyukov from Zenit would be more than ideal.
IF the £10M is true, Anyukov would be around that price. He is the only person I could see improving on Arbeloa that would be a realistic signing and we have connections with Zenit(Skrtel)

Why do we want to get rid of Arbeloa? technically sound, energetic young full backs aren't ten to the dozen, i'd like to think hes got a long future with ourselves and will only get better, for my money hes a bit like Lahm plays better on the left even though he favors his right foot.

Woah woah, no, what I'm getting at is that, say if for whatever reasons the club/Rafa wanted to sell or Arbeloa was homesick or whatever it wouldn't be bad if we went for someone like Anyukov who would be a very good replacemnt.

I do not want to see him sold, but you have to admit £10M is rather tempting. It's not bad business from when we got him. I love Arbeloa, great little player that can play in many positions but we don't know what he is feeling. I never would have guessed Garcia was home sick in the slightest, he always said he loved life in Liverpool etc etc.

Anyway I don't think Rafa will sell him, nor should we sell him but if we did.............................you get the point.

I do agree, he is a better LB than RB

I was slightly dissapointed we signed a new LB. Cause we already had Arbeloa, Aurelio and Insua to play there.

Former Leeds United midfielder Harry Kewell has reportedly completed a controversial move to Galatasaray.

The 29-year old, who was released by Liverpool in May after an injury-troubled spell at Anfield, was widely expected to move to Portsmouth within the next few days.

However, the Australia international has risked the backlash of English football fans with the decision to join the Turkish club.

The player angered fans at Elland Road after he refused to sign a new deal with the club, instead holding them to ransom until they accepted a cut-price £5 million offer from Liverpool.

The move will also heighten the tension between fans of Leeds United and their Turkish counterpart which stems from the dreadful scenes witnessed in 2000 before the sides’ UEFA Cup semi-final, with two innocent fans of the English club stabbed to death during violent clashes.

It was not the first incident of violence involving Galatasaray, with Manchester United fans also targeted by hooligan sects in 1993 and more recently during Champiosn League fixtures.

Kewell’s career has failed to hit the heights of his spell with The Whites, where he established himself as one of the best left-wingers in Europe, and he now looks set to sign a three-year deal with the club.

Galatasaray’s official website has announced his arrival at the Ali Sami Yen Stadium, news that will disappoint fans and potential suitors alike.

Really cant believe Kewell has gone there it has to be for the money, im sure he could have got a contract at Bolton, Hull, Boro or some place like that.

Well - i don't know if it is neccessarily for the money, hes been on around 50k p/w whilst at Liverpool, hes spoke before about having an ambition to play abroad - all be it, he saw Serie A as a possibility...

Maybe he thought if he was gonna be injured all the time he may as well be close to a warm beach

Ade Alonso wrote:DEGEN SIGNS FOUR YEAR ANFIELD DEAL
"He is an offensive player with great energy and a winning mentality. His strength is going forward and I am confident he will be prove to be a quality addition to our squad."

He added: "Sometimes you can find these players on the market. When you find a player like him who costs no money it means you can use money for improving other parts of the squad.

"He is a good signing, a player of potential, who can help us improve in the wide areas."

Am I the only one slightly concerned about this?

He is not 'a young player' or a 'player of potential' - he's 25.
He has 'great energy and a winning mentality'. Great energy = runs around like a headless chicken; and winning mentality = I can't think of another aspect of his game to praise.
'His strength is going forward' - a defender who can't defend. Great.

Football Genius wrote:Well - i don't know if it is neccessarily for the money, hes been on around 50k p/w whilst at Liverpool, hes spoke before about having an ambition to play abroad - all be it, he saw Serie A as a possibility...

Maybe he thought if he was gonna be injured all the time he may as well be close to a warm beach

He was on 60K reportedly.

Roge - We are all worried about Degan, I'm just praying he ends up like Arbeloa ie: come out of the blue, not much to write home about player who shows up with the goods suddenly

Liverpool target £3m keeper Diego Cavalieri - Liverpool Echo.co.uk

LIVERPOOL are poised to land £3m Brazilian goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri from Palmeiras.

The Reds confirmed today they are in negotiations with the player and his club and hope to announce his signing next week.

His arrival will signal the departure of Scott Carson, back at Melwood this week after a year-long loan at Aston Villa.

Rafa Benitez is trying to juggle his financial resources as the saga over Gareth Barry’s proposed transfer shows no sign of reaching a conclusion.

The sale of Carson could generate around £10m to boost his hunt for other players(eh no ), while Portsmouth are believed to be ready to table an increased offer of nearer £10m for striker Peter Crouch.

But Cavalieri looks like he could follow Philipp Degen and Andrea Dossena into Anfield even before those deals are done.

The 26-year-old is already in Europe to secure a work permit and hopes to sign once that paperwork is out of the way.

Cavalieri is currently second choice goalkeeper to Palmeiras legend Marcos, but has made more than 100 first team appearances since his debut in 2002.

Standing six feet four, he was linked with a move to Inter Milan before the Nerazzurri opted for fellow Brazilian Julio Cesar instead.

Palmeiras coach Wanderley Luxemburgo has allowed him to miss his club’s pre-season training camp in order to travel to Europe.

Fabio Aurelio became the first Brazilian to play for the Reds when he signed from Valencia two summers ago.

Meanwhile, Charles Itandje’s briefly unimpressive stay at Liverpool is set to end with a switch to Galatasaray.

Benitez has struggled to find adequate cover for first choice Pepe Reina, with Itandje, Daniele Padelli and Nikolai Mihailov all enjoying fleeting careers at Anfield – and Scott Carson proving too good to spend his time in the reserves.

Sign an attacker you Spainish mong and why the heck are we paying £3M for a second keeper

(In Rafa I trust and all that)



BTW what the hell has happened to Nikolai Mihailov, I know he went on loan to some Dutch club I think it was but surely he can play second fiddle to Pepe, no?

Ade Alonso wrote:Liverpool target £3m keeper Diego Cavalieri - Liverpool Echo.co.uk

The Brazilian Cech I've seen him referred to, due to the fact he's a giant.

Olé wrote:

Ade Alonso wrote:Liverpool target £3m keeper Diego Cavalieri - Liverpool Echo.co.uk

The Brazilian Cech I've seen him referred to, due to the fact he's a giant.

he should be all right then until carragher kicks him in the head

Ade Alonso wrote: Sign an attacker you Spainish mong and why the heck are we paying £3M for a second keeper

HOW DARE YOU!

why are people criticizing Rafa over speculation?

if we spend £3m on a keeper the lions share will be recouped by the sale of that French wally

£3m isn't a lot for a goalkeeper, if Reina gets injured then we're fucked.

LEAVE RAFA ALONE