28 Nov 2015

€35m Mega-Deal? 'New Ronaldo' reacts to Liverpool 'rumours' and confirms transfer is a no-go

Speculation linking Inter Milan star Mauro Icardi with a move to Anfield has intensified over the last two weeks, but after new developments this week, Liverpool seemingly have little chance of sealing a January deal for the coveted Argentine striker.

Milan recently slapped a €35m transfer fee on Icardi, and according to Calcio Mercato last week:

* Klopp is determined to sign Icardi, and is not 'giving up' on securing a transfer.

* The Reds are planning to make a move during the upcoming transfer window.

In February, Icardi admitted that he is 'honoured' to be linked with a move to Anfield, but when asked again on Friday about Liverpool's interest, he told Tutto Mercato:

"I'm aware of the [Liverpool] rumours, but...I'm staying, as I did last year. I'm the captain and I can not give up the team"

Roberto Mancini has clearly played a blinder here. The shrewd decision to make Icardi Inter's captain has seemingly secured the Argentine's future, and it'll now be much harder for Liverpool to steal him away.

It's a shame as Icardi is clearly a top-class player. Last season, he contributed 36 goals/assists in 48 games (one every 107 mins), and if a British striker did that at the age of 22, he'd be deified by the media, and heralded as the second coming of Thierry Henry.

This season, Icardi - who, according to his agent, 'has the talent to become to new Ronaldo' - has captained inter to the top of Serie A, which is a significant achievement considering the club finished 8th in the league last year (32 points off top spot).

Is Icardi worth €35m? Well, if Anthony Martial is worth £58m, then Icardi - who has vastly superior creative output - is a comparative bargain.

That said, Jurgen Klopp rarely pays marquee fees for players, and I doubt he'll start now when he can probably unearth a similarly effective player for one-fifth of the price.

Author: Jaimie K


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