'I'm in Top Form': LFC favourites to sign exciting £20m star who's 'like Lionel Messi'

Liverpool are reportedly lining up a summer move for Fiorentina winger Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, who is also wanted by Arsenal, Spurs, and Manchester United.

According to reports this week:

* Liverpool are planning a £20m offer for the 25-year old attacker.

* 'Sources close to the player' claim that Cuadrado wants a move to the Premier League is his preferred destination,

* The Reds are allegedly in pole-position to seal the deal. and that Liverpool are currently leading the way to sign him.

* Fiorentina are willing to sell.

With the ability to play on either wing, or at right back, Cuadrado is the type of player Rodgers - by his own admission - loves: versatile and flexible, with the ability to slot into several different positions. Some info about Cuadrado:

* Co-owned by Fiorentina and Udinese.
* 78 apps for Fiorentina.
* 27 apps for the Colombia national team.
* Two loan spells in the last four years.
* Serie A's best dribbler (4.2 per game)
* This season: 11 goals/6 assists in 39 apps.
* 2012-13: 5 goals/6 assists in 39 apps.
* Two Year Total: 17 goals/12 assists in 78 apps
* Goal/Assist every 2.7 games

When asked in February about his future, Cuadrado told reporters:

"I am very happy to be here with this team and am focusing on the present, which is Fiorentina.”

In March, Cuadrado was asked again about interest from other teams, and he once again outlined his loyalty to Fiorentina:

"I would be an hypocrite if I said that I don’t like that many teams want me but I think about the present and its name is Fiorentina. I dream of staying here, Italy is beautiful.”

In the first part of the season and over Christmas, Cuadrado experienced a noticeable slump in form, and when asked about this in February, Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Montella explained:

"He [Cuadrado] had some physical issues that caused this slump. From players like him you always expect the best and he always gives a lot. He has to come back doing what he can do.”

Since then, Cuadrado has hit 6 goals in 13 games for the Viola, and he's happy with his form. He told reporters recently:

“I’m in top form, I’m fine now. I only suffered a bit after an injury. My family and I are very happy in Florence. I’m happy that Fiorentina count on me. Montella wants me to be more cynical in front of the goal, I also train hard for the defensive phase.”

In a game against Siena earlier this season, Cuadrado ran from deep inside his own half, dribbled past four opponents, beat the last defender with some dazzling skill, then chipped the goalkeeper, only narrowly missing the goal. This prompted some effusive post-match praise from Fiorentina coach Serse Cosmi, who told reporters:

“If Cuadrado always played like he did today, he’d be like Lionel Messi.”

Overall, I don't see how Cuadrado is worth £20m. He has only two assists since November 2013, and none in the last four months which is a concern for a player who plays mostly as a winger. If LFC are to spend big bucks on an attacking player, it should (IMO) be someone with a a great record of goals/assists.

Additionally, there's the Serie A factor to consider. It's almost a cliche these days, but players from Serie A never seem to do well for Liverpool, and that's been proven countless times over the years. Spending £20m on a player like Cuadrado is a gamble on par with spending £11m on Borini, and £35m on Andy Carroll.



Author: Jaimie K