29 Oct 2015

Next Transfer? Liverpool could sign 'extraordinary' £15m international who wants transfer to Anfield (Honigstein)

Despite Jurgen Klopp's insistence that he will not attempt to sign any of his old players, Liverpool continue to be linked with an array of Borussia Dortmund stars, including defender Neven Subotic, who is reportedly keen on a move to Anfield. What are the chances of that deal happening, though? According to German football expert Raphael Honigstein, the Reds have a big chance of sealing the deal.

Earlier this month, Italian newspaper Tutto Mercato claimed that Subotic wants to follow Klopp to Anfield.

Discussing the possibility of a Subotic deal today, Honigstein told The Sport Review:

"His former CEO Dortmund said Klopp wouldn’t target any of his players [but] there is probably a deal to be made with Subotic, who has been out-of-favour. He is one of the few players who was personally picked by Klopp for Dortmund when he was at Mainz".

Given the fact Subotic followed Klopp from Mainz to Dortmund, and it's not inconceivable to think that a reunion could be on the cards.

The 26-year old Serb is definitely interested in a move to the Premier League, and he confirmed this in April, when he told Kicker magazine:

"I can imagine playing in a league someday which rates physical football. The game in England is tougher, more aggressive and more physical, and as a centre-back I don't want to fear just touching an opponent".

In the same interview, Subotic - - hailed by Klopp for his 'extraordinary' performances - blasted players who engage in play-acting and cheating, the risible euphimism for which is 'gamesmanship'. He scathed:

"How can I do my work when my opponent starts crying without contact? Diving annoy me, I think that's cheating. I just don't like it when an attacker is going at one kilometre an hour and flies like he's been hit by a car."

A refreshing point of view, which mirrors my own, but if £15m-rated Subotic thinks that the Premier League is a paragon of fair play, then he's in for a rude awakening.

Diving and cheating is as prevalent in England as it is anywhere else, and some of the game's biggest divers ply their trade in the Prem (i.e. Rooney, Young, and even some Liverpool players, who shall remain nameless).

In any event, this deal is (or should be) a non-starter for one simple reason: Subotic is far too injury prone for the rough and tumble of the Premier League:

* 11 injuries in the last four years, including a cruciate ligament injury.

* 331 days on the sidelines (78 games missed).

* Made only two appearances this season as a result of a persistent back problem.

Liverpool need to improve defensively, but Klopp should be able to create a solid defensive unit with the central defenders already at the club, all of whom are experienced internationals.

Indeed, the Reds have conceded only two goals in four games with Klopp at the helm, which suggests that the current defensive unit is capable of consistent solidity.

With that in mind, is there really a need to rush into the transfer market and sign another central defender? At the very least, Liverpool should assess the situation for the rest of the season, and then make a decision in the summer.

Author: Jaimie K


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