11 Aug 2016

Anfield Update: Klopp wants £80k-a-week Brazilian 'colossus' at Liverpool next season. Transfer talks now finished

Earlier this week, Galatasaray official Levent Nazifoglu confirmed that the Turkish giants were close to agreeing a deal for Reds midfielder Lucas Leiva, but just 24-hours later, it's all change for this particular deal.

Speaking to the Daily Mail on Tuesday, Nazifoglu claimed:

"We've spoken personally with Lucas Leiva. He asked for one more day. The situation will be clearer by tonight".

Well, it appears that Lucas has decided to stay at Anfield. When asked today about the proposed transfer, Nazifoglu told Turkish Football:

“We are no longer pursuing Lucas Leiva, we will continue efforts to sign alternative names instead."

Turkish sports outlet Fanatik further claims that Klopp vetoed the deal because he wants to keep Lucas at the club for the upcoming season. With the club struggling for defensive cover (at centre-back, and full-back), it clearly makes sense to keep Lucas, who can play in central defence.

Lucas is (arguably) better off leaving, especially if he wants regular first-team football, but I'm personally glad he appears to be staying as it means he should become eligible for a much-deserved 10-year testimonial.

Lucas deserves it, as he is one of those (rare) top flight players who transcends all the BS associated with football; a genuinely nice person who appears to be untouched by the avarice and self-interest of the modern game, and who effortlessly embodies the values and principles of LFC.

Like Sami Hyypia, Lucas is (IMO) one of those players, and of the current crop, Ragnar Klavan appears to be cut from the same cloth.

^ Jul 2016: Reportedly on £80k-a-week

^ Nov 2015: Described  as a 'colossus' 
by Jamie Carragher.


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