Reports this week suggest that Burnley star Danny Ings has his heart set on a summer move to Anfield, and according to Liverpool legend John Aldridge, the 22-year old striker is a perfect signing for LFC.
On Saturday, the BBC claimed:
* Liverpool would 'attempt to sign' Ings before the transfer window closed on Monday.
* Rodgers' planned to loan the £10m-rated front-man back to Burnley for the rest of the season.
That deal didn't come off, but according to The Mirror on Tuesday:
* Ings wants to join Liverpool in the summer.
* He'll reject a move to Real Sociedad as he 'favours' a move to Anfield.
* Manchester City are also tracking Ings and may also make offer at the end of the season.
In his column for the Liverpool Daily Post this week, Aldo insisted that signing £10m-rated Ings is a 'no-brainer', and explained why the Reds should forget about signing '£50m-£60m' players and bring in the 22-year old:
"Ings has got great potential, and I’d rather see us spend on [him] than on, say, Iago Aspas. Ings wouldn’t be regarded as much of a gamble. He knows where the goal is and he will improve".
For a team that will - according to Rodgers - challenge for the title next season, a signing like Ings doesn't really inspire much confidence. That said, there are some obvious benefits to consider:
* As Aldo suggests, there's very little risk involved. Liverpool will pay jus £3m in compensation for Ings, and even if he fails miserably, the chances of making a huge financial loss are slim.
* Based on recent form, Ings is a clear upgrade on Lambert, Balotelli, and Borini, and the fee from the (inevitable) summer sale of one of those three will cover the compensation outlay. So, in effect, Ings will be a free transfer.
* Settling-in time won't be an issue as Ings is already playing in the Premier League.
* Ings is English, so if he plays well, Liverpool can sell him at some point down the line for a grossly inflated transfer fee. It'll make a refreshing change to the Reds constantly paying through the nose for English players.
After subbing-off Ings during Burnley's 2-0 defeat to Sunderland, Sean Dyche admitted that the Liverpool speculation is having a negative impact on the striker. He told reporters:
"It [the LFC rumours] have affected him, but he is human and I thought it was too much this week. Unless someone has got an impossible amount of money, then he will be a Burnley player [until the summer]”
Ings' loss of focus is a tad unprofessional, but understandable. A year ago, he was playing in the Championship, and now, he's wanted by the mighty Liverpool, which is enough to make anyone's head spin.
However, 6 months is a long time in football, and it's possible that Liverpool may lose interest between now and the summer, just as the club (seemingly) did with Yehven Konoplyanka.
* The Reds were heavily linked with Konoplyanka during he January 2014 transfer window.
* The deal failed, but soon after, the player's agent claimed that he was 'a thousand per cent sure' that Liverpool would 'try again in the summer'.
* Clearly, that didn't transpire, and the same thing could happen with Ings.
New targets will inevitably emerge between now and the summer, but Ings is such a major bargain that there's probably more chance of a deal being completed.
The other possibility is that Ings plays superbly over the next 6 months, and one of either Man City, Chelsea, Spurs, or Man United comes in and offers him a bigger contract than Liverpool.
I doubt many Reds fans will be fussed either way; Ings is not an essential purchase, and if the deal fails, then so be it.
Author: Jaimie K
On Saturday, the BBC claimed:
* Liverpool would 'attempt to sign' Ings before the transfer window closed on Monday.
* Rodgers' planned to loan the £10m-rated front-man back to Burnley for the rest of the season.
That deal didn't come off, but according to The Mirror on Tuesday:
* Ings wants to join Liverpool in the summer.
* He'll reject a move to Real Sociedad as he 'favours' a move to Anfield.
* Manchester City are also tracking Ings and may also make offer at the end of the season.
In his column for the Liverpool Daily Post this week, Aldo insisted that signing £10m-rated Ings is a 'no-brainer', and explained why the Reds should forget about signing '£50m-£60m' players and bring in the 22-year old:
"Ings has got great potential, and I’d rather see us spend on [him] than on, say, Iago Aspas. Ings wouldn’t be regarded as much of a gamble. He knows where the goal is and he will improve".
For a team that will - according to Rodgers - challenge for the title next season, a signing like Ings doesn't really inspire much confidence. That said, there are some obvious benefits to consider:
* As Aldo suggests, there's very little risk involved. Liverpool will pay jus £3m in compensation for Ings, and even if he fails miserably, the chances of making a huge financial loss are slim.
* Based on recent form, Ings is a clear upgrade on Lambert, Balotelli, and Borini, and the fee from the (inevitable) summer sale of one of those three will cover the compensation outlay. So, in effect, Ings will be a free transfer.
* Settling-in time won't be an issue as Ings is already playing in the Premier League.
* Ings is English, so if he plays well, Liverpool can sell him at some point down the line for a grossly inflated transfer fee. It'll make a refreshing change to the Reds constantly paying through the nose for English players.
After subbing-off Ings during Burnley's 2-0 defeat to Sunderland, Sean Dyche admitted that the Liverpool speculation is having a negative impact on the striker. He told reporters:
"It [the LFC rumours] have affected him, but he is human and I thought it was too much this week. Unless someone has got an impossible amount of money, then he will be a Burnley player [until the summer]”
Ings' loss of focus is a tad unprofessional, but understandable. A year ago, he was playing in the Championship, and now, he's wanted by the mighty Liverpool, which is enough to make anyone's head spin.
However, 6 months is a long time in football, and it's possible that Liverpool may lose interest between now and the summer, just as the club (seemingly) did with Yehven Konoplyanka.
* The Reds were heavily linked with Konoplyanka during he January 2014 transfer window.
* The deal failed, but soon after, the player's agent claimed that he was 'a thousand per cent sure' that Liverpool would 'try again in the summer'.
* Clearly, that didn't transpire, and the same thing could happen with Ings.
New targets will inevitably emerge between now and the summer, but Ings is such a major bargain that there's probably more chance of a deal being completed.
The other possibility is that Ings plays superbly over the next 6 months, and one of either Man City, Chelsea, Spurs, or Man United comes in and offers him a bigger contract than Liverpool.
I doubt many Reds fans will be fussed either way; Ings is not an essential purchase, and if the deal fails, then so be it.
Author: Jaimie K
Not being antagonistic or slagging off our summer signings, but what makes you think getting a spot in the CL will attract big names? Did nothing for us last summer...
ReplyDeleteSanchez, namely.
Financially, it is a no brainer. However, I hope Liverpool is interested in the player for his talent and not only because it makes financial sense (Assaidi). I also hope BR doesn't play him on flanks like he did with Borini and Aspas. Also, he should be given a decent run of games (as a striker) which again BR didn't offer to aforementioned players. Having said that, Ings looks like a budget transfer who can more than fulfil Borini's place in the squad. On the other hand, not sure if Liverpool is the best option for Ings as he should be looking for regular football to further develop his talent.
ReplyDeleteI think it'll be a case of us qualifying again and if we keep up this style of play, coming back to near how we played last season. That's what will attract, there's enough quality players around for us to get, always going to be some like Sanchez that will be lured away. Plus if we do get rid of Balo we're have a hole to fill for a senior forward player.
ReplyDeleteFor example the likes of Adriano might well fancy a crack in prem league and am sure he is aware of how his compatriot Coutinho slotted in. Might be tempting...
If we regularly qualify for ECL and challenge for title consistently, it will definitely attract big names IMO.
ReplyDeleteHe's less likely to get any more football at the other big clubs supposedly looking in order to up their english quota. If he thinks he is good enough and up for the challenge, let him come and prove it. Plus he's probably thinking his game will improve alongside better players.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. To me, being in the CL twice in a row is not consistent. 3 or 4 times in a row, yes.
ReplyDeleteHaha. That would certainly be a start.
ReplyDeleteI am not saying he should go to other big clubs but he should target a club like say Swansea. Swansea play good footbal, the club is also a regular in EPL, they only have Gomis now who is not yet proven in EPL and they need someone to fill the void left by Bony. Ings should go and play at that level for 2-3 years. However, I agree that if he has enough confidence about his abilities and expects to break into Liverpool's starting eleven then he is most welcome.
ReplyDeleteManchester would be fine as well, much closer.
ReplyDeleteI think we'll be ok if we can just relocate Anfield to the middle of London.
ReplyDeleteYes profit to be made even if he does not take the step up. With better players around him he might just prove a shrewd signing, but like I said below, another proven scorer needed then we'll go places.
ReplyDeleteHow do you know this? Suarez was on 200k/week if I am not wrong. Owners will be willing to pay high salary for high quality players IMO.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe there is a "deal" to fail, at the moment. All conjecture. Never the less, all the conjecture has turned my head. I would be gutted if Reds don't get him ( at that price) whether or not he turns out to be a late starter ready to blossoms, it's just too good a business opportunity to miss.
ReplyDeleteI'd be happy if we got a proven goalscorer like Adriano or if possible Benzema. If Lambert,Borini and Balo go then bring in Ings as well along with Origi coming in. Priority should be ready made european goalscorer.
ReplyDeleteOur potential in attacking midfield looks great, and Emre Can is going to be one big player for us, hopefully he will be in middle of the park for next season. All in all we're looking good, now lets hope we get that champs league place to attract the bigger names.
Outside of the London factor, our other issue is the way we supposedly structure contracts.
ReplyDeleteThe owners want incentive-laden contracts so they don't get some albatross that's weighing down everything.
Perform well and be paid accordingly.
All's well and good except for the fact that other teams will guarantee the wages regardless of performance.
LFC may offer 50k per week with incentives bumping to 90k, but another team may offer a flat 75k from the outset.
Suarez was on 200k/week after being given multiple raises and extensions.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts before were specifically geared towards new players being brought in.
Liverpool have announced the biggest kit supplier deal in our history, having signed a multi-year partnership with New Balance.We will switch to current brand Warrior's parent company from next season.
ReplyDeleteThat is not possible. We switched to Warrior because Adidas didn't think we were worth it. Honestly, United fan base is too large and we cannot compete at the moment.
ReplyDeleteAnother Carroll, Lambert, Downing etc in the making. These players do not have a big club mentality. Ings will found himself drowning if he does join us. We need a prolific striker not a player that will have to try and adjust.
ReplyDeleteI'd be curious to know if we extended the deal and got more money out of it, or if this is a change in name only.
ReplyDeleteIt is a new contract so doubt it could just be a change of name.
ReplyDeleteMate, with almsot £120m available I am pretty sure we could have got somebody like Lacazette.
ReplyDeleteIt's been reported by almost everyone. FSG are actively trying to convert contracts to performance based. You mention Suarez, but look how he played. He undoubtedly earned every cent of that 200k, and even if we guaranteed that wage, he's proven he's worth it. Vs say Glen Johnson who is earning around 100K for doing jack squat.
ReplyDeleteYou said it almost correct. Owners are willing to pay high salary for high quality PERFORMANCES, not necessarily players. It just so happens that high quality players more often put in high quality performances.
Say we bring in someone like Higuain for example (not saying we have a chance...just hypothetical). The ideal contract imo would be around 80-100K guaranteed with potential to rise to 150K. That way, if he doesn't live up to his reputation, we won't lose nearly as much. Plus he has incentive to play well.
I am just saying 'only if it was'.
ReplyDeleteI don't think so. FSG are shrewd but if they get a chance to sign a really top class player, they will pay good salary IMO.
ReplyDeleteJust sharing information.Don't shoot the messenger!
ReplyDeleteMe too just sharing information.
ReplyDeleteI mean yes, they will pay a "good" salary, but the way they've been changing the wage structure recently, it will probably always have some sort of performance based raise to the "max". I wouldn't be surprised if the Suarez contract had potential to rise to 300K.
ReplyDeleteIf only it was as big as the deal UTD signed with Adidas. Their transfer budget is sorted for the next five seasons.
ReplyDeleteHow about once in a row? ;-(
ReplyDeleteOur last deal with Warrior was a record itself. So even 1% increase would be a record.
ReplyDeleteWhy can't he be next Sturridge or Henderson?
ReplyDeleteThe most important thing is he suits the system has tons of pace and is very good at dribbling as well as the fact he works hard.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Aldo…don't want a £50-£60mil overhyped player. But I also don't want to gamble on Ings as he might find it hard to step it up on the next level especially if we're in europe.
ReplyDeleteSo I'd like to go halfway and pay £35mil for a proven goalscorer, who has european and international experience, and would fit in well with our formation: Please step up Jackson Martinez, or rather, step it up transfer committee and show some ambition in the summer!
Fact?
ReplyDeleteI gave you a sad upvote for that one. Experience was new to me.
ReplyDeleteMate the problem with Martinez is the same as with Balotelli.
ReplyDeleteNot enough mobility to suit our system and he does not press.
If we want a big name striker that might suit our system look at one of Messi,Augero,Benzema,Sanchez ,Lacazette,Cavani.
Let us look forward rather then think what might have been. The 120m is spent move on we have Balotelli who has not worked reality.
ReplyDeleteThe details in terms of numbers have been swept under the carpet for the time being, which makes me think the monetary increase is no big upgrade on our current deal.
ReplyDeleteWe could be playing our cards close to our chest, not wanting to reveal the major contract improvement until after summer recruitment, because we have a history of clubs taking advantage in the transfer market.But that's wishful thinking.
Rodgers says Lovren and Balo could play a part in Everton game---WHY?
ReplyDeleteBR style is quick attacking and I have not seens Ings in that vein, rather spend that money on Lacazette who appears on whatever limited time I have seen him.Hopefully he might be available or if LFC wants British I think Saido is better.
ReplyDeleteHypothetical question. Two young players, age dif almost exactly one year, similar Prem goalscoring records this year. Berahino for £15m or ings for £5m (allegedly)?
ReplyDeleteOut of contract
ReplyDeleteYeah they normally shout it from the rooftops
ReplyDeletePlan might be to play Lovren in the three, Hendo at RWB and Can in the middle with Lucas. Do not know how Balo will fit in as one of Sterling or Coutinho would have to be dropped which is not going to happen.
ReplyDeleteAt 5 mil, he cannot be a Downing or Carroll because there is no price tag pressure. If Ings is bought with a prolific striker, it is a brilliant deal. Plus, Ings seems to have an attitude and swagger about him that I never saw from the aforementioned few.
ReplyDeleteAs I'm very aware. That wasn't a point in question.
ReplyDeleteLacazette is the man we ought to look at, he'll take us to the next level! I feel we are consolidating mid table status with a signing like Ings.
ReplyDeleteIngs is a cracker. Not many players his age doing the business up front in top European leagues; plus he's doing it with a fraction of the chances that other strikers with his record get, *and* he's doing it from No. 10 half the time. I think he will absolutely fly at a big club. I really like him.
ReplyDeleteAlso his name, Ings, was the name of one of the elder gods of the Anglo-Saxons, Ing. So when you have doubts about him, those of you who are glass-half-empty types, just remember it'll be like signing, I dunno, Danny Thor, and let your doubts dissolve. Hum.
Don't mean to sound pretentious but how many of his games have you watched? I've watched him for the last three years (and been hoping we'd take a gamble on him all this time). He is nothing like balo; he's a very fast, high energy player that is best on the counter and can use both feet very well. IMO, his best talent is his movement which seems to always put him in the right place at the right time and he's fairly tall so he is also a threat from set pieces. He's also the captain of Porto and I personally rate leadership and is one of the best finishers around.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing that might be a real concern is that he's a lot like Sturridge in a way. Why it would be a concern is having two of the same striker on the pitch might hinder them both but they can both finish with both feet so they could also be a nightmare for defenders if they got on the same page. Go watch some youtube videos of him and they're actually pretty accurate since he's scored 20+ goals in the last 4 seasons so this is no one season wonder. Also, none of the players you mentioned (bar B) will ever be sold for £35mil or less
Ings for me. Love his repertoire of tricks, love his tireless work ethic, his mobility, and his ridiculously old and sad looking face.
ReplyDeleteThat too! The only English striker I would consider regarding taking us to the next level is Harry Kane! Kane has the pedigree from U21 football.
ReplyDeleteHaha, like that. Imagine him and Can at the Toffs and Tramps Red's Xmas do.
ReplyDeleteWatching his youtube videos again...I too think Ings is not the answer but if we need to add the depth after selling Borini...he would be ok I guess. Cheap and young.
ReplyDeleteNo problem. Clumsily phrased question. Should have just said, Ings or Berahino?
ReplyDeleteGot it wrong...sorry about that.
ReplyDeleteNot mid table mediocrity!
ReplyDeleteBtw my answer is none. But if we want to replace Borini for the sake of squad depth then for 3mn...Ings would do just fine.
ReplyDeleteZero risk transfer. He either becomes a valued member of the squad or we sell him for a profit or both. Makes sense to me
ReplyDeleteI would,rather say, forget them all, play Jerome Sinclair, he is free and a product of the academy. Would rather see a home grown talent be given the chance than spend any money at all.
ReplyDeleteI want someone to make a youtube video encouraging not to buy a player.
ReplyDeletenow there's a good idea. we can start a youtube channel specifically to highlight weaknesses in players... :)
ReplyDeleteCouple of reports say 300m over 6 years
ReplyDeleteYep same as warrior deal
ReplyDeleteWasn't that 25m per year?
ReplyDeletethese contracts wont wash with established players who can pick and choose and they have to be ingrained on the culture and ethos of the club. They will only truly work if every players contract at a club is bonus related ....eg some player gets 100g for doing nothing yet my 50g a week only gets to 100 for performing heroics
ReplyDeleteSurely the point is, Ings would be no more of a gamble than a couple of quid on the lottery. £35m on ANY player, would be!
ReplyDeleteRumour has it we tried in the summer. No dice.
ReplyDeleteThis is the reason why we've fallen so far behind. We've settled for mediocrity for so long. Every season it's the same old same old, getting rid of deadwood. Why is our scouting so atrocious?
ReplyDeletei like ings he can be a handful and is a no brainer for the money, which usually means he will go elsewhere and we will sign in 2 years for 30 m
ReplyDeleteBR- ' at whatever point I leave here hopefully I will be leaving something people can be proud of' does he think he's for the chop or am I reading too much into it
ReplyDeleteNice investigative work Gene.I hope the reports are on point.If that's the case we've doubled up financially on our current deal.Billy Hogan is looking like the most valued person we have behind the scenes.
ReplyDeleteim not sure logan he has pace and is a threat ,even on his own up front
ReplyDeleteRodgers is prone to telling porkies.
ReplyDeleteSaw a Guardian report on google in 2012 that said £300M. Half from direct deal with Warrior and half from related shirt deals, Perhaps they have joined the two together?- Who knows?
ReplyDeleteWarrior owned by New Balance it seems
ReplyDeleteThat's what we've got Jaimie for
ReplyDeleteThe latter
ReplyDeletethat's the game man... come on, did you change teh result if you complain about the decision........ even with the post match ref report, and the analysis that the decision if wrong, the result of the game still the same......live with that.......
ReplyDeleteit's not a bad day i think, is just another football games........
ReplyDeleteso stop playing the direct pass if you notice the assistant have trouble with their sight, as simple as that.
ReplyDeleteI agree the result stays the same and there will always be teams disputing decisions. However. it is not unreasonable to criticise things you feel are wrong and it carries more weight if you win as we did despite the errors.
ReplyDeleteIf your bank loses even a tenth of the money in your account due to bad investments (think Northern Rock) do you say "well that's part of the risk putting my money in a bank" or do you rightly complain about it?
ReplyDeleteDid complaining bring back your money?
ReplyDelete