22 Nov 2014

LFC's Top Target: BR pushing to sign 'unbelievable' £25m striker to replace Sturridge

Last week, coveted striker Saido Berahino confirmed that he's interested in leaving West Brom at some point in the near future, and new reports claims that the 21-year old is now Liverpool's top transfer target.

According to the Daily Mail today:

* Berahino is 'top' of Brendan Rodgers' transfer wishlist.

* Rodgers is pushing for a deal to happen when the transfer window reopens.

This follows a report in October, which Mail on Sunday claimed that:

* Liverpool are planning a January move Berahino.
* West Brom are willing to sell, but only for £25m.

When asked last week about rumours linking him with a move to Liverpool, Spurs, or Man United, Berahino - recently hailed as an 'unbelievable finisher' by team-mate Victor Anichebe - admitted that his 'aim' is to play in the Champions League, and made it clear that moving to a big-name club is very much on his agenda. He told The Guardian:

"If that [a transfer] is what it comes to it has to be that. I appreciate what West Brom have done for me [but] I have a big vision and hopefully I can reach my goals. I have the chance to progress even more. It's up to me to take it with both hands."

Some info about Berahino:

* Current contract expires in 2017.
* This season: 8 goals/1 assist in 13 apps.
* Total WB: 17 goals/3 assists in 49 apps.
* 21 goals in 45 apps for England youth teams.
* 2010: Helped the England U17 team win the European Championship.

Berahino is an interesting option, but £25m? No chance. Additionally:

* Liverpool already overpaid for Lallana, Lovren, and Markovic this year, and with Rodgers' transfer history, it shouldn't even be a question. The Reds need to stop overpaying for players, and £25m is a massively inflated transfer fee. Additionally:

* I don't see how signing Berahino is anything but a massive risk. With only 49 games of top-flight experience, he is nowhere near the finished article.

* Any striker that comes in will be under intense pressure to hit the ground running, and putting all that pressure on an inexperienced 21-year old is (arguably) counter-productive.

* Liverpool can't afford to take any risks - the club needs a striker capable of making an immediate impact, and that means signing a proven, experienced *older* striker with a track record of consistently scoring goals.

Rodgers is under intense pressure, and he can't afford to make another costly mistake in the transfer market. He needs to get it right, and the next signing Liverpool make is arguable the most important of the manager's tenure. As such, he needs to stop spending big bucks on young players, and start signing proven players with the capability of making an immediate impact.

Nothing is guaranteed. Lovren and Lallana fit the 'proven player' description, but only insofar as they're experienced in the Premier League. Rodgers has failed to sign any players with significant experience in the Champions League/Europe, and/or experience of playing at one of Europe's top clubs.

As an example: Sturridge and Coutinho - Rodgers only two successful transfers - came from Chelsea and Inter Milan respectively, so they were used to the pressure/expectation that comes with playing for big European clubs. As such, it's no coincidence that they've consistently performed.

Conversely, many of the players Rodgers has signed from smaller clubs (Southampton, Swansea, Celta Vigo, Sunderland, Heerenveen etc), have struggled to adapt.

Of course, there are always exceptions - Balotelli came from AC Milan, and he's struggled, but overall, I maintain that the best policy for LFC *right now* is buying experienced, proven players who are used to operating under intense pressure.

Author:


8 comments:

  1. I also thought the game was today. Ah, well. So it goes.

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  2. You're an Aussie! I support your rugby and cricket teams. One of three that I know in South Africa. I hope you managed to sort out a pint!

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  3. Same here. I forgot that Friday night comes before Saturday morning.

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  4. You're a Saffa? I actually saw Parnell from your one-day team walking around the city last night with his 'parnell tail'. Which rugby teams do you support?

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  5. 4 points from relegation after Palace defeat....it won`t be Rodgers spending anymore money on another striker...or any player for that matter....reckon he`ll be getting THAT phone call from John Henry very shortly !!!!

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  6. I'm a Saffa indeed. Ah, I'm not sure how I feel about Parnell's new hairstyle... Actually I'm sure I feel he should shave it.


    Bulls and Brumbies - strange combo as I'm from Cape Town! It rankled when Jake White took over ACT. There's a guy that stole Eddie Jones' credit from the 2007 WC.


    What about you?

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  7. I totally agree, Balotelli is a good player..i just wish Brendan would stop playing him as a lone striker and try Balo/Bor or Balo/Lam in attack.

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