12 Jul 2015

Transfer Shocker? 77% of fans reject Liverpool's plan to sign 'world-class' £25m goal-machine

Liverpool continue to be linked with summer moves for Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke, and Manchester United outcast Javier Hernandez, but which of the two strikers is the preferred choice of the Liverpool fanbase?

LFC's interest in allegedly 'world-class' Benteke is long-standing, but Hernandez is a comparatively recent transfer target, and according to the Daily Express this week:

* £14m-rated Hernandez remains on Liverpool's transfer wish-list.

* Sevilla are also in the running to sign the 27-year old striker.

* Portuguese newspaper A Bola claims that Liverpool are favourites to sign Hernandez.

Who should Liverpool sign, though?

I conducted a poll this week asking fans that question, and the result were emphatic:

* 77% of voters chose Hernandez over Benteke.



That is a staggering vote of no-confidence in Benteke, but it makes perfect sense, for the following reasons:

* Benteke has a £32.5m buyout clause, but Hernandez will be significantly cheaper, and his goals/assists rate over his career is practically the same (1.9 vs. 1.7 for Benteke)

* Hernandez is rarely injured, which is (or should be) a priority selection criterion for Liverpool when considering a new striker.

* Hernandez - hailed by Madrid legend Emilio Butragueno as an 'incredible player' - has experience in two of Europe's best leagues, including Champions League experience with Man Utd and Madrid.


It makes sense to sign Hernandez, but only if Rodgers is going to play him regularly. The Mexican has been a bit-part player for much of his career, and I'm sure he'll want assurances of regular game-time at his next club.

With injury-plagued Sturridge, and the inexperienced du0 of Ings and Origi on the books, that shouldn't be a problem, but irrespective of the benefits, I fully expect Rodgers to go for Benteke.

That's fine, just as long as it's not for £32m. In my view, Liverpool should pay no more than £25m, which is the figure the Reds are reportedly willing to spend.

Author: Jaimie K


187 comments:

  1. I thought your view was that we shouldn't touch him with a barge pole?

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  2. Now do one on whether people want Cherysev at 22 million.

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  3. Bit of a misleading heading? "77% of fans reject Liverpool's plan". 77% of the tiny section of Liverpool fans that happened to read about your vote.

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  4. Dream on k you cret. VILLA AREN'T SELLING FOR 25MILL. SCOUSE WANKER

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  5. Maybe this reporter should have read the reasons why LFC fans don't want Benteke instead of making assumptions on why.......? I for one believe Benteke could score a lot of goals for the right team, LFC is not the right team, we play fast pacey football with direct play to the box, very little crosses, Benteke is like Andy Carroll, can get a goal with his foot but better in the air. We need 30 goals a season from main striker not 15 in a good season. I for one believe Benteke is a great player although he needs a team that play pass and move pass and move cross header, we play, pass, pass, run, dribble pass shot, not same styles. Sturridge get fit, stay fit, bring in Gomez on loan and another £30m striker and were nearly there. Hopefully if BR doesn't mess up, then a few rated players in January, if he does try getting Klopp to rescue us from the shit......YNWA

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  6. United fan here. I rate Hernandez as a great striker and he deserves a club where he will thrive as one of the main strikers. To see him at Liverpool would be horrific because he will do well, but he'd do well at any club because he is the modern day fox in the box. He gets those boring/unspectacular goals, which over time can get you 8/10+ points a season. I just can't see us selling him to you, and I think its more likely he'll end up in portgual/italy.

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  7. I come bearing gifts (smuggled Gotze out of Munich)

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  8. It sounds like neither of these options will come off anyway. Hernandez is on the verge of signing for Orlando City and we have dilly-dallied so much about the Benteke signing that he is now being pursued by Manure. The transfer committee need a clearer sense of priorities: getting that striker in was the absolute priority of priorities this summer and yes that will cost a lot of money which is another reason that needs to be tackled first and we need to be decisive in that pursuit. Latest reports suggest that we may be going for Mario Gomez and unfortunately not the Gomez of 2012 but the injury hit Gomez of 2015.... All a bit underwhelming....

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  9. I would suspect you'd get 100% 'no'....

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  10. Apparently, he's going to Orlando City. I think Hernandez did a good job at United but the question mark around him is whetehr he can perform as a main striker rather than an impact substitute. Some players are just more effective in the supersub role.

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  11. I read today about the possibility of swapping Balotelli for Mario Gomes, I really like the idea of this. We'll get a proven goalscorer in Gomes and get rid of Balotelli in one go, leaving us with all the Sterling money to try and entice the likes of Reus or Pedro. If we could then sell Borini, Enrique and Lambert and sign Illaramendi from Madrid with the money left we would, in my opinion have had a great transfer window.

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  12. research goes a long way. hes 'in talks' with orlando in the states.

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  13. Has anyone actually seen him play?

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  14. Hernandez is apparently in talks with Orlando somebody or other in the MLS. I'll be disappointed if the lad goes over there aged 27. He's good enough to play for a top European team for a few years yet.
    I would be all for this transfer but I fear there's not a shred of truth to it

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  15. To be honest I think the stories about Man U chasing Benteke are either media bollocks or united forcing our hand into paying the full release clause

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  16. Zulu, have a look at Gomez's recent stats- he has suffered injuries and not scored many in two years at Fiorentino. Is he still the magnificent player he was before the injuries? I guess the only possible cause for optimism is that a player's performances in Serie A are not always a very good indicator of how well they will perform in the Premier League: I think some players fall asleep duing the tedium of Serie A matches and it would be wrong to judge a player's stats on what he does in his sleep...

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  17. I agree, that would be a hard transfer to make happen, considering our past transfer history :) I'd also agree he is more likely to head to the Med, still I'm not sure he fits, although we could use a "fox in the box" type striker...

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  18. Ps, Pedro is apparently more or less already through the door at Chelsea. For me the condition to being happy with having Gomez as our 4th striker would be getting Reus as the replacement to Sterling. We really need someone capable of getting bagfuls of goals and Reus can get that from attacking left midfield.

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  19. Didn't know Pedro was signing for Chelsea, been at work all day so missed that one. Gomez I've always rated as a top class scorer, I know he's had a few injuries but I still rate him. If I had to pick my preferred striker to play in front of Firmino, Coutinho, Lallana and Ibe it would be somebody who's pacy, has good movement, can hold the ball up and most importantly can finish. Step forward Daniel Sturridge, but can we rely on his body to hold up? No.

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  20. I would take Hernandez over Benteke any day, and with Firmino and Cout threading balls into him he would thrive in our fast flowing football system, i,m all for it and just think about how good he might become, in a front two with a fit Sturridge, I think the bitterness as wained a bit since Alex ferguson left your club as Manager, so i think although it would be a bit unnerving LFC going for a Man U player, I think both parties would get over the differences and could discuss it as mature adults, after all it`s just a business transaction like any other at the end of the day.

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  21. Nicolas Chamberlain12:05 am, July 13, 2015

    Well if we sign Reus I will personally ask him for an autograph and believe me my fellow Reds that's something I normally would never do. Lets us dream.

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  22. Probably not. I am still not convinced he exists..

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  23. yes i rate hernandez aswell , and i think its possible we could get him in , id like to see him get a chance , cos in the box he'll do damage , although we are wanting a top striker , im glad the rodent went to city , we done well out of him £££ , considering he had half a good season 13/14 ,

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  24. If you haven't seen him check out Barcelona's match against Villareal from Februiary 2015 on DailyMotion.

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  25. David John Neale12:19 am, July 13, 2015

    Actually He is very good with his feet - unlike Carroll... But as an AV fan I hope he stays where he is!!

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  26. Cant see anyone coming to Liverpool from United ever.

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  27. ..has A bola ever got anything right..?


    ..reason is cos owen went from us to madrid then man u...hernandes madrid then us...its quite possible...
    ..the last old school haters were fergie, neville et al and they aren't with man u any more....giggs never struck me as a vitriolic liverpool hater...LVG doesn't have a clue what is happening outside his own little hitler world and the club just look disconnected enough to just want a player off their books..

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  28. Lacazette is my dream signing like many of us supporters but Benteke looks likely to be the man Brendan chooses and it is only a matter of time before it's concluded. Benteke would bring his own strengths that would give us a different edge but are they the right strengths? I hope when the inevitable happens in signing 'Benteke' Is that he proves me wrong in a big way.

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  29. Honestly, a lot of people thinking Klopp could be our saviour. IMO he is no more likely to be the messiah than Brendan is.
    Change for the sake of it isn't always the one, be careful what you wish for.

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  30. Still can't understand this, Benteke has all the injury attributes of Sturridge and all the 'doesn't fit our system' attributes of Balo.
    Seems like a completely imperfect fit and an expensive one at that.

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  31. Then that just shows your ignorance about Jurgen Klopp and why he would be the perfect manger for us.
    And why do you arrogantly feel it would be change for the sake of change? Personally I would have only changed Rodgers for Klopp, and not just for the sake of change!
    I like most fans we get 100% behind the (team)!!

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  32. Fair enough. To be honest I'm just getting a bit sick of all the giffs, tiffs and the like, of Klopp; which to me is indirectly ridiculing Rodgers.
    Fact is BR is our manager and that is that. Maybe we are nearing the time when we should simply show and voice our support for him for the coming season and shelve all the Klopp-crusade stuff, at least until Christmas.
    Klopp may have a great CV but none of it comes from our League and I'm sure you could dig out similar managers that have similar track records but have not been successful in replicating their previous successes in the Prem.
    Brendan on the other hand - closest we've been to winning the P/L, ever.

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  33. how we pair hernandez with reus at front???

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  34. I think the player you're describing there is also Benteke.

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  35. we need Suarez like striker more than Carroll like target man.

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  36. I voted for Chicha, but at the same time, I would like to have Benteke as well, if he (& we) is ready to sit on bench. Benteke's start game doesn't suit our style, but that man mountain isn't a sitting duck like Andy Carroll, he is much faster, fitter, stronger with much better ball skills & mobility. In last 23-25 minutes, against tired defense, he can run riot.


    The team we have formed so far, even excluding the mercenary, I see many teams parking bus against us & for those matches, you need someone who can bull-dodge an ugly 1-0 win. Ideally, I would like to take him, but after some one like Leccazzette or even Chicha.

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  37. i think he's said the whole time it would be an ok signing, just not for 32m

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  38. Realistic Buy's :
    Lacazette 28M/Hernandez 15M/Benteke 32.5M (Mandatory)
    Carvalho 30M/Medel 10M (Priority CDM position required)
    Abdenour 15M/Umtiti 10M (Priority LCB position required)
    Digne 10M /Augustinsson 4M (Priority Left Back required)

    Realistic Sell :
    Raheem Sterling (Assuming we sold him for 45M)
    Mario Balotelli (10M)
    Borini (8M)
    Enrique (4M)

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  39. We had one in Bacca and we let him go !

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  40. Well said , i agree with you and the same apply's to James Milner

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  41. Maybe if LFC fans make enough noise he will hear our need for him and change his mind and join LFC .

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  42. Realistic Buy's : Highest Buying Price Considered
    Lacazette 28M/Hernandez 15M/Benteke 32.5M ( ST Mandatory)
    Carvalho 30M/Medel 10M (Def Mid required)
    Abdennour 15M/Umtiti 10M (LCB required)
    Augustinsson 4M/Digne 10M (LB required)
    Reus 45M/Cheryshev 22M (Making this as Priority too as sterling is sold)
    Firmino (29M) (Confirmed)
    Clyne (12.5M) (Confirmed)
    Gomez (3.5M) (Confirmed)
    Ings (6M) (Confirmed and assuming the tribunal fee is 6M)
    Milner,Bogdan (Free)

    Total Buy : 32.5+ 30+15+10+45+12.5+3.5+6 = 154.5 M Pounds


    Realistic Sell : Cheapest selling price Considered
    Coates (2M) (Confirmed)
    Balotelli (10M)
    Borini (8M)
    Enrique (4M)
    Sterling (49M) (Unofficial)

    Total Sell : 2+10+8+4+49 = 73 M Pounds

    Total Net Spending = 154.5-73 = 81.5 Million Pounds

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  43. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is right now, I think the best option for us right now. Arsenal's reported interests have died down as of lately, and have instead shifted focus to Bezema/Higuain and one other man: Alexandre Lacazette. In Aubameyang we get a more experienced striker, and that's what we need in the front lines.


    The move could also have other benefits as well, such as attracting Marco Reus (Slim, but still possible), and other Bundesliga talents with Firmino and Can here as well. We could get him for more or less than what we're willing to pay on Christian Benteke, but instead of that we'll get a faster, quality striker more suited towards our system, with the only downside being lack of Prem experience. If we slap a £30m bid he might just be our's, and we'll have £6m extra from the Sterling deal.

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  44. If Liverpool waited for Sterling for £50 m. Why would you think Villa will not do the same for £32.5 m? They don't have to sell. It's isn't Christmas so why let Liverpool save money on their in demand asset?

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  45. Gotze id hardly an Andy Carroll type of player

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  46. I really hope we invest the money on Lacazette and Illarramendi. There are no guarantees that they will be great signings but they look to the best fit for our current team's needs. Also the feel-good impact on the fans and players will be great, let alone a real statement of intent. I don't think Reus or Pedro are necessarily needed currently although I obviously wouldn't be unhappy with either too

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  47. Hes 25 and hes hardly played at all. Thats the main issue. How many good players do you know that made their breakthrough at 25?

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  48. Not for the sake of it. For the reason that Rodgers is a horrible manager. And man.

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  49. Four summer windows and still no DM. While United are about to bring in Schneiderlin. Says it all really. A manager who doesn't accept responsibility for his many many failings doesn't deserve our support. Nor respect.

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  50. But he's our horrible manager and man

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  51. I guess anything's possible

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  52. All of these people that don't want Benteke saying that he does not suit our style of play ?? Tell me how many balls do we cross over from corners ,free kicks and from normal play ?? A heck of a lot and all just wishing that we had somebody there to get on the end of them, So when we have a chance of getting somebody half decent you don't want him ??

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  53. The best A Bola that I know is a Jimmy Anderson

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  54. Not everybody feels the same way as you !

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  55. I'm sure we can all remember the easy crosses into the box that Balotelli missed . Benteke could have put them away !

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  56. LFC and Ian Ayre are clearly masters at negotiations when it comes to selling ,Torres ,Suarez and Sterling ,but really poor when it comes to buying ,Lallana, Lovern ,Markovic and agreeing 20% sell on for Sterling !

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  57. Slumdog Mignolet9:17 am, July 13, 2015

    14M Hernandez whose price will be inflated due to moving between rival clubs - say 20M.


    OR


    20m Beharino, who is younger, English and West Brom have an interest in Lambert and Enrique who could be used to bring that price down?

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  58. Good thing too. There'd be no one left to prove wrong ;-)

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  59. The fact that hes there means I need to put up with him, not support him. I cannot support someone who lets others take the blame for his failings and who, as a result, does not learn from his mistakes.

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  60. Looks like the real reds are gonna pay the asking price, so your probably getting Hernandez, hard luck

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  61. Glen Johnson said he's very happy to have joined a club (stoke) moving in the right direction.
    That could only mean one thing i guess

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  62. Sorry for anyone ive recently replied to on really old posts. For some reason my browser took me to an older article and i just went straight to the comments, didnt realise they were so old. I was wondering why people were talking about johnson and sterling being in the squad. Love yaz all

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  63. Liverpool put in the least number of crosses in the league last season. I believe I read that somewhere. Or I'm completely incorrect and I dreamed it. We are (were) frustratingly narrow. I think Benteke's a good player, but honestly I think the concerns which people have are justified.

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  64. It's a bit like asking do you want to break your wrist or your ankle. The answer is neither please

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  65. Never thought I'd up vote a comment from a Utd fan. Still I have got summer man flu at the moment and it might be the medication.

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  66. Many games are won by 1 goal ,
    1 cross = 1goal = match won !

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  67. I agree. It's all about opportunity costs. It's not just about what you gain from having a certain player but also what you lose from not having some other type of player and what that means for the way you play the game or want to play the game..

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  68. Just cut down on the night nurse

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  69. I'm surprised ,i would have thought you would have said both ?

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  70. Yes sorry that's what I meant. - both please

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  71. We got one goal against Stoke.......

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  72. Honestly can't believe the result of this poll and I think the only reason Chicarito has won by such a landslide is cost related. At the end of the day if both players were available for exactly the same price you'd have to say Benteke is the obvious choice. Hernandez would be a great 3rd or 4th striker to have but he cannot be our 1st choice that would be suicide. He has proved throughout his career he is a great player to bring on when you need a goal with 15/20 mins to go but he is not the man to lead the line on a regular basis. I'm not necessarily saying that Benteke is, however, I do think he would offer more than Hernandez over the course of a season. We already have plenty of 3rd, 4th and 5th strikers we certainly don't need anymore. We need the main man and Benteke would be a 100% more likely to achieve this status than Hernandez.

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  73. If Benteke scores 20+ goals for us next season I doubt many people will complain with the price tag. At the end of the day what real difference does £7.5m make? He will either be a flop or a success for either price tag. It's not like he is gonna be a success for £25m but considered a flop if we pay £32.5m for him.

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  74. Muhammad Ibrahim12:00 pm, July 13, 2015

    Ian, bring me Laccaaa!!!!!!!!!


    We get rid of Carroll,
    We can't really use Lambo,
    Twice the big guy with lack of movement, work rate and pace (moreso pace in the case of Lambo), has not worked for us. Why will it work with Benteke, ok he has some pace, but work rate, movement, off the ball closing etc, are we expecting a third time lucky?

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  75. that shown what type of manager we're having.

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  76. Read reports that Jerome Sinclair wants a move...

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  77. if we sign benteke for 32.5m he'll be under extreme pressure from the start.

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  78. True and and footballers' worth is like houses .... their value is what someone is willing to pay for them

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  79. Would like to agree but at 32 mill you are in Aguero and Costa territory and i would say likely none too complimentary.

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  80. Either you think he can do the job or you dont and i dont therefore its a total waste.

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  81. As it so happens I think he will get us 20 goals if he stays fit for the majority of the season. My only concern lies with the effect it may have on Coutinho. I wonder if we play with a bigger front man whether it may have a negative effect on our little magician.

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  82. I dont understand your point mate. Benteke is not on their level that's why he's not getting paid that much.


    I'm not naive enough to believe comparisons re fee's are not made, i just find then nonsensical.
    Messi was free, Aspas cost £7m, should have gone for Messi


    Yes if Costa ,Aguero had failed they would have big re-sell value, thats why they cost twice as much as Benteke (transfer+wages) cos there more proven players.

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  83. Messi came as a junior thats a poor one you know what i am saying and your bottom line says it all 30 odd mill for proven stars 30 odd mill for who?

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  84. Messi one was a stretch too far, fair point, but your missing my point.


    The total cost of having Costa, Aguro at your club for 4-5 years would be double that of Benteke even though initial fee is only couple £M difference, that's why I don't think you can compare them

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  85. but Benteke does not tick all the boxes he has a poor resale value if he fails id say 20mill possibly over 2 seasons plus waste of wages.
    Added to that he is not at the level of the players mentioned poor business yes indeed.

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  86. To be fair for a proven premier league goalscorer playing for a team fighting relegation.

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  87. Andy Carroll mate.

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  88. Thats a different issue & i'd agree.
    I really cant decide on him, but he's in a different class to Andy Carroll.


    It's worth bearing in mind, when your playing catchup you have to take more risk, just pay the going rate ect.

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  89. Look if he was the perfect fit id be happy but hes not and its a lot of money to be betting on that player.

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  90. Benteke's premier league stats...
    Played 89, scored 42.


    Carroll's premier league stats (prior to signing him)...
    Played 41, scored 14.


    As you can see that's a totally unfair argument.

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  91. Actually a damn good argument Carroll came into the club with the game plan set around his style albeit injured to begin with.
    Carroll had played in the championship the season before scoring 19 where liverpool had their head turned was 11 goals in 20 during the latter part of 2010.
    That included a hat trick against us i think.

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  92. Ayre wasn't here when we bought Sterling

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  93. Yeah commercial director but nothing to do with Sterling.

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  94. I disagree, I think the stats more than prove that Benteke is a cut above Carroll by a long way. A goal nearly every other game over 3 seasons for a team always in a relegation battle.

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  95. Never scored 20 in a season.
    Scored 19 three seasons ago, then 10, then 13.
    £32m, for a 14 goal per season average?
    PS He has missed almost as many games as Sturridge over the past 3 seasons too

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  96. Ya stats are wrong for a start and the teams style does not suit Benteke what arent ya gettin.

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  97. Benteke has averaged basically 30 games a season. Sturridge has averaged just over 21 games a season since he signed for us. Quite a big difference actually.


    Also the majority of that time was spent playing in a team that quite frankly should have been relegated they were that poor. Under Lambert they barely even played football.

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  98. Burnley were poor this season real poor Ings going to get us 25 goals or what?

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  99. The definitely aren't wrong...Carroll played 8 games in the PL between 2006-2008 scoring 0 goals. He played 14 in 2008-09 scoring 3 goals. Finally he played 19 games in the first half of the 2010-2011 season scoring 11 goals.


    He is not my first choice striker by a long stretch but these comparisons to Carroll are dubious to say the least other than they are both good in the air. Carroll was about as fast as carthorse. They are very different players.

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  100. C'mon lets not get silly, clearly not. Benteke is an international striker. Ings is a decent prospect.

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  101. Carroll played games as an 18 19 year old about 13 or so before relegation your not seriously going to twist an argument on those and ignore 19 in the championship as a 20/21 yr old.

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  102. Never watched Belgium, surly there not as direct as Villa. What's he like for them?


    Another point is that the majority of fans want Rogers out, but when we sign a player not suited to his style, we complain.


    When Rogers goes, so does our style & if he stays is our style so sacred to us after 3 trophy less years. Einstein's definition of insanity & all that.

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  103. Dont know ask the one of the worst players in ligue 1 last season how he got a spot in the Belgian side.
    Look expecting Benteke to suit the next managers style maybe a stretch too.

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  104. Everything was set up to go through him.
    You want us to play like that?
    Holding the ball up- poor
    Offside awareness- poor.
    Defensive contribution- poor
    (who scored)

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  105. So was Origi in the same team can we expect 20 from him?

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  106. I wish Liverpool's defence was as good as yours ;-)

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  107. Like Balotelli he couldnt score what makes you think Benteke will and make us a better side please explain.
    I cannot understand your tactical reasoning and as i explained about Carroll his latter stats were better than Bentekes if you are to look at his stats from 20 up your twisting things badly.

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  108. Like I say I haven't said that Benteke is a good fit for us and personally I think it is a gamble. However, Benteke has more attributes to succeed than Carroll ever did. I guess it all depends if BR is going to play slightly differently. He has hinted as much in his interview today re: the dismissal of Pascoe and Marsh. Saying he wanted to go in a different direction. What that actually means is anyone's guess but I guess it could be interpreted as a slightly different way of playing.

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  109. Interesting news about a possible loan swap deal with Fiorentina. Balo for Gomez

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  110. Origi is a bit of a mystery have a feeling he will either hit the ground running and be a major surprise or he will be a complete waste of money.

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  111. Its a lot different way of playing and as i expressed Carroll had the team set up for his attributes and failed this is even tougher.

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  112. Haha me too pal but struggling to hold the fort here all by myself!!!

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  113. I am taking an outside very outside bet he goes on loan again.

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  114. Yeh I wouldn't be too surprised by that either especially if the rumours re: Balo for Gomez carry any weight. I guess it will all depend on how he starts this pre-season.

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  115. Do you think the team was set up for Carroll then? I personally don't think we ever really played to his strengths. Under Kenny we tried to I guess but we were just pretty poor and dull to watch.

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  116. Kenny bought him and Rodgers quickly disposed we arent a great crossing side nor are we a long ball side i really dont think you can change your entire game because of Benteke.
    I am not saying he is a bad player just a bad bet to add to the side.

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  117. I agree we aren't and we don't really have the players to become a great crossing side either. Out of interest who would you realistically go for then?

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  118. Not saying he's not a good player or anything like that, but he's a little too injury prone for my liking. Same reason I'm little bit negative in signing Benteke, which could ultimately cost us a lot( sturridge last season).

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  119. Look Tom realistically well its difficult if i could give you 1 we could really sign who would make a big difference well id have ya in a second.
    Unrealistically as i see it Lacazette would be ideal but unlikely Kruse maybe or even Icardi or Higgy again unlikely.
    Thats the big problem.

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  120. That's the problem...I was racking my brains the other day to see if I could think of any realistic alternatives and there really are very few. Names like Lacazette, Icardi, Higuain, Aubemayang etc would all be lovely but without CL like you say unrealistic. It led me to think what about Mitrovic at Anderlecht?

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  121. Me too Mitrovic is on his way to Italy or so ive read somewhere.
    One other possibility wouldnt fill me joy but would be cheap maybe Gameiro but thats not real good.

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  122. Good player, but we already have two strikers of the same age(Origi and Ings)...

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  123. Yeh good point, hadn't really thought about that. I guess for £10-12m he would be much less of a risk but still quite unproven. He's a big, strong, powerful, fast lad though so on paper looks good for the PL. I think this is the issue we have to get a more experienced striker we are so limited with what is actually available.

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  124. I think he can do the job, but the only thing against him is his injury record...now that worries me

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  125. I heard a few days ago that Newcastle will closing in on him as well. I've got to say the standard of players being brought to England by a lot of the mid table teams this summer is actually quite worrying.

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  126. Yes they are shaping up nicely and really Tom its good to see a more even comp although we should be on top regardless.
    So far i see it as our best summer window in a long time but to really top off it off a top quality striker and dm would really set it off.

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  127. Maybe we can get a 2 for 1 deal on their hospital rooms if things go bad.

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  128. I hope so and totally agree, so far I've been happy with all our signings bar Bogdan (still think he's decent back up but wanted us to go after someone who might challenge Mignolet a bit more, Matt Ryan was my choice). A top quality striker and quality DM required and think we also need some cover at LB. That would leave me very happy indeed. Still got quite a bit of selling to do too IMO.

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  129. Matty Ryan would have been good seen a fair bit of him play i try to think of Bogdan as a likely slight upgrade on Jones thats it.

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  130. Christian Benteke needs a system that plays to his physicality.Under Rodgers he would be heavily reliant on a set piece game for goals.Liverpool don't play long and we don't cross the ball enough for him to be effective.
    If we played like Spurs under Harry Redknapp, with Olympic track running wingers on both sides taking on the fullbacks and crossing.Maybe he'd be worth the risk.
    Liverpool however play a different style.Firmino will play wide forward and he'll have the license to also create by drifting inside too.With Coutinho taking the primary central creative spot, Liverpool will be playing narrow ball next season.A targetmans nightmare set up.Our Fullbacks or Wingbacks will be the players stretching compact defences with overlaps and crossing.Nathaniel Clyne: Zero assists last season in all competitions.
    The reality is we don't play our best football with a big man leading the line.I don't think Christian Benteke will be a consistent goalscorer in our system without two direct wingers in the side.
    £32.5m on BENTEKE? That's a marquee transfer fee.No thanks.We can do better!

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  131. I agree partially but the question is...do better on who?

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  132. Alexandre Lacazette

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  133. C'mon man some realism please. You can harp on about Lacazette all you like but its an absolute definite non starter. Next one?

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  134. Typical response from a Liverpool supporter with no ambition.You'd rather us spend 32m on Benteke without trying to get a better player.If we had the same defeatist attitude Firmino he wouldn't be a Liverpool player.

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  135. ...Tom, anyone.....can someone please explain to me..completely unenlightened one....why the f*ck there are two distinct camps about benteke....


    ...some are saying we play something called football, whereas benteke plays catch the dinosaur by clubbing it to death when and only when one of his neanderthal brothers throws him the club as he runs after jumps and wrestles tyranosaurus to the ground screaming 'ugg, ugg'...


    ..then there are others , perhaps like myself, who think we play football and all he has to do is allow the fantastic three we have now in firmino, coutinho and lallana pull, stretch and create space for him to run into with sharp sprints and feed him clever balls to latch onto and score.......all while playing the beautiful game on the ground in an evolved fashion....


    ...please help me understand...please.....

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  136. I'm somewhere in the middle of these two camps. I believe there are better players and players who would fit our club better than Benteke. However, I am also realistic enough to know the majority of these players won't sign for our great club at present. Of the realistic, available options you would have to say he is near the top. It is really a case of go with what we've got and hope Sturridge can get fit and/or Ings or Origi smash in the goals. Alternatively take the £32.5m gamble and hope he delivers.

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  137. ...but Stuart, couldn't you ask God when he's gonna take a coffee break and tell him you'll take the reins while he does...don't tell him, but just wave your wand at that point and speed up the evolution process we need in Benteke.... :)

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  138. ..thanks Tom wow is that really all we're left with...? I would have thought there are more strikers out there...


    ...what about all the ex-players sayin he would be great for us suit our playing style (tiny adjustment) etc, etc,,..whereas others esp. people on here are sayin we need to start playing rugby if he comes in....

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  139. If only I was an anagram

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  140. im still tryin to anagram your name....................................................................

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  141. just as you typed I got.....it...


    was looking at your cute doggy with my very blank mind and had a complete duh moment..... :)

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  142. You ask me who I want Liverpool to sign.Then moan that I'm bringing up the same unrealistic name:) I'm not calling for Messi or Ronaldo.
    Lacazette said he wants CL football a few months back, but how many clubs have reportedly come in or shown serious interest for him.I've heard Arsenal their attacking options are stacked and being in the International mix is important to him.No guarantee of playing regularly with their options.
    Players say things in the media then change their minds.Coutinho was happy at Inter Milan when the media heavily linked him to us.He said he didn't want a move.Two days later a bid was made and his bags were packed.

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  143. I have to admit I have been very impressed with Utd's signing. I think they will challenge this season.

    Also just watched BR's press conference in Bangkok. Have to admit it was a lot more measured and not full of the usual shite he comes out with.



    Maybe he has been taking lessons over the summer.

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  144. I wouldn't say Arsenal are particularly well stacked up top. They are IMO crying out for someone like Lacazette through the middle. They only currently have Giroud and Lacazette is streets ahead of him. Imagine a front three of Sanchez-Lacazette-Walcott/Welbeck. Decent. It is well known United are still in the mix for a striker so again the player would surely see them as a preferred destination to us at the moment. At the end of the day I would be absolutely astonished if we haven't already made a play for him but been told in no uncertain terms it ain't gonna happen. Who knows but for now you have to take the players statements at face value and that would indicate we have no chance right now. Add in Lyon have CL football next year, why would he move to us exactly if he is trying to force himself into the international team?

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  145. Yeh 100% agree with both points. United are gonna be challenging next year for me they have probably skipped past City and Arsenal this summer so far.


    Also as you say it seems like BR may have been told to tone it down a bit and start speaking a bit more to the point without all his dressing up BS. We can only hope.

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  146. You are correct its just he is an absolute beast in the air so people chose to focus in on that. The stat re: crosses I think Villa were way down until Sherwood took over though so wouldn't read too much into that. When he took over and Benteke started smashing them in their cross count went up 2 fold.

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  147. ...point noted...cool...still have faith we will do the right thing and adjust accordingly....I feel we've learnt alot as a team over the last two years..players to management to owners...i don't have the same doomsayer attitude or belief that we are galaxies away from 2013/14...

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  148. Regular playing time at a massive football club in a major european league, feed by playmaking Brazilians who'll create a boatload of chances for him.

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  149. If you had £32 million to spend on a striker, would you really buy Benteke? There's better strikers than him, much cheaper too.

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  150. Thats 4 things in common.

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  151. ...mate I really hope you are right about that and he ends up at crystal palace fighting to stay fit and fighting to stay hungry on 60k per week pay as you play...................

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  152. There are, no doubt.. but would they want to play for us?

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  153. I understand your point but the question is does Lacazette agree with this outlook. There is also the chance that he might not fit in which is a point most people seem to neglect. There are no guarantees in football.

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  154. Same as me then I'm pretty confident we will have a decent season. The only issue I have currently is none of the current top 4 seem to be standing still either and united in particular are building a very tasty squad.

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  155. Pieter Engelbrecht6:25 pm, July 13, 2015

    time is running out to get a decent striker

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  156. Isn't Hernandez injured at present? A fractured collarbone during the game against Honduras.

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  157. Thanks mate, that's a pretty cute and concise statistical analysis that sums up neatly what I think most fans fears (mine included) are regarding a clear mismatch in styles.

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  158. Thank God the Mercenary left..We have money to sign Marco Reus or Antoine Griezmann now

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  159. Pieter Engelbrecht7:15 pm, July 13, 2015

    good point. Can anybody please tell me where s/hampton gets there little gems for a fraction of the price Is it because of their manager of a fast superior scouting team?

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  160. Think Benteke gets stick because of his size.


    The criticism that he wont fit into our system comes from his lack of agility. He's got genuine pace over 10,20,30 metres. He just lacks it from a standing start or by quick changes of direction. Thats where the problem with our style will come in.


    He's an underrated finisher, I'd say just as clinical as Sturridge, so comparisons with Andy Carroll just wrong.


    Still undecided, but if we've got to tweak our style so be it, won nothing in 3 years

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  161. If BR couldn't make it work with Balo why should it work with Benteke?

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  162. Because Benteke is a better player.

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  163. Yes... but would be expected to miss about 4-6 weeks. He'd be back before September. I believe.

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  164. The problem isn't the 7.5m.


    The problem that I have is that I don't expect him to score the 20+ goals.


    We could bring in a player for 50m, and if scored 20+ goals, everyone would be happy and not care what we paid for him.


    But the people against signing him (including me), don't believe he'll score at that rate.


    I also think that he's an incredibly streaky player. He'll be on fire for a month, and then vanish for 2 months.


    Then again, I figured Balotelli was going to score 15+ in all comps last season, and looked at how that turned out. Of course, I figured Rodgers would have adjusted the style of play to Mario's strengths (and didn't).

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  165. And also 75% cheaper

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  166. Not at all it is the odd obscure way my mind works ;-)

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  167. That's right. Benteke is a not bad player but he is overpriced (like Sterling was) and he is not the best fit for our team

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  168. To say that this is poor business on the part Liverpool is ridiculous. As you have zero idea of what went on when negotiations took place you are probably not best placed to say anything. Maybe just maybe the clause was the deal clincher and as Raheem was a promising player that they had high hopes for it was believed it was worth agreeing.
    36 million pound is pretty solid evidence of a fantastic deal I'd say

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  169. I think the 20% sell-on clause might have come from an FA tribunal.

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  170. I think Illarramendi is a quality player, however we do not need him. BR (love him or hate him) is clearly a midfield specialist. He excels at getting 3 hard working players to do the job of a defensive midfielder, without compromising in attack. With good pressing, and a high defensive line, your CBs can catch the stray passes that are a result of your hardworking midfielders. So there really isn't a need for a defensive midfielder unless he provides useful attack eg Pirlo.

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  171. Rodgers has won nothing. Fact. He's Clueless. Fact. He has completely lost the players, who obviously regard him as a total clown. Yes, by all meanss tick with him. And prepare those comments we are going to hear so much of real soon. "This was always going to be q season of transition. Rodgers is bedding in the new players. Don't judge them now, wait till Xmas.' At Liverpool nothing ever changes.

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  172. Good comment. Rodgers is a disgrace. But as one defeat follows another, even the deadbeats in the States will have to sack him.

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  173. Yes, I DID know that! He could have been playing for Madrid, of course, but they didn't want him because they assessed him as a total mediocrity. Mind you, Joe Allen plays for Liverpool and most games I don't even notice he is on the field, which is a worse situation.

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  174. I also had the feeling he was doing his best to miss. Wouldn't surprise me at all. At City he'll have to get used to the annual thrashing from Barcelona - if he's picked to play.

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  175. Yes.... He'd have been perfect plane B for us as we needed someone little bit different. We should have bought him last season instead of Lambert. He's young lots of potential, has good pace and good in air. Even if he didn't do well he'll still have a good resale value.

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  176. Would he pass a medical, in his current state though?

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  177. to be perfectly frank, teams can choose to pass medicals or reject them. Look at Remy last year. He failed the LFC medical, but not the Chelsea one. LFC was just looking for a way out of that deal.


    Same could be said here in this example.

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  178. Agree with that Bruce, I definitely don't think the sun shines from BR's derriere and have certainly criticised and agreed with others criticisms of him in the past.

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  179. Hi AngryKlopp, in the hope you may see it, I just want to apologise to yourself and any others who may have felt my reaction to your Sunday evening Santa Klopp picture was a bit OTT.
    Obviously as the saying goes - like ar8eh8les - we all have a strong opinion on the Brodge. Of course we're all equally entitled to that opinion and on reflection maybe the way I voiced mine had a touch of the ar8eh8le about it.
    The last thing I want to do is deter anyone from posting anything and truth be told, the lack of League and the truly heart-jerking nature of young Raheems departure has perhaps made me a little cranky of late. Generally though, I appreciate a good giff, tiff, or even jpeg as much as the next man and as it's not my forum it would be tough bananas if I didn't :)
    Anyway, I take full responsibility for the comment, so consider yourself apologised :-)

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  180. Thank you Case I appreciate that.
    FYI If you saw my posts on the echo, you would see we share a similar standpoint. My image was only posted in response to the poster saying Klopp will arrive or hopefully arrive at Xmas.
    Although a huge admirer of Klopp, and could write a book on how I feel he is the ideal manager for Liverpool, the potential to be the modern day Shankly even. I like you had urged others to shut the f*ck up!
    The decision has been made, and although many of us feel the wrong one, it has still nevertheless been made. The amount of posters on the Echo who hijack every topic to spout their Bodgers and/or FSG out and Klopp for manger is infuriating. I'm sure I will find an article about todays game, where people should be discussing the pros and cons on 4-4-2 diamonds, 3-5-1, how Origi played, how Ings played, etc, etc...to find some jer*s, somehow making it into a Rodgers out excuse.
    I'm torn on the Sterling saga. Shame losing a top talent. Happy City have paid £20 million OTT. Fearful the money will be wasted. Happy the bad apple is away from the club...I guess it will sink in and my real feeling on the subject will come to light, when I see him terrorizing defenses for City :(

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  181. Can't disagree haha

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  182. What "facts" do you have to support this claim of being "clueless"?

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  183. No worries, as I say, perhaps a little cranky and I do have a slight aversion to xmas that really turns me into a grumpy old g*t, so that could of done it too.
    I should of taken it how it was intended (in reply to another poster as you say) and instead made my little rant a separate post, not involving you. So please keep up the giff work, I'll only blame myself if you don't :)
    I do agree that we are probably not really that far removed in our views and truth be known, in the cold light of day, I will admit that I do quite like Klopp too and think he does have the potential to be a great Liverpool manager.
    Regards Sterling, I was writing a bit tongue in cheek but will say that although he as acted a bit of t&t and like you I'm glad the whole sorry saga has now been put to bed and made us a tidy profit along the way - I do fear the player we may see next season...

    Anyway 0 - 4! What a great game, onwards and upwards, hopefully :-)

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  184. Your last comment reminded me of a comment I posted yesterday in response to a tongue in cheek comment about booking the open top bus early for the end of season parade, which demonstrates our similar stand point..." Brian, I f*cking love you!That's the type of optimism, so often lacking from this site.
    Yes we beat arguably one of the worst sides ever, yes it was only a friendly....but 0-4 away! we're back boys!!! :)"

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