In the immortal words of Michael Corleone: 'Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!'. This appears to be the case with Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva, who is seemingly being denied the chance to leave Anfield this summer.
Last week, Galatasaray official Levent Nazifoglu confirmed:
"We've spoken personally with Lucas Leiva. He asked for one more day. The situation will be clearer by tonight".
A day later, Nazifoglu added:
“We are no longer pursuing Lucas Leiva, we will continue efforts to sign alternative names instead."
Why did the deal collapse? An agent close to the deal claims:
“Klopp was behind the transfer hitting the rocks. If it was up to Lucas he would've made the transfer.”
Lucas is a great ambassador for LFC, but his desire to leave is understandable. Unfortunately, the Reds have (IMO) treated him rather shabbily in this situation:
* At the age of 29, he's in the prime of his career, and sitting on the bench every week as defensive and/or midfield cover is hardly an enticing prospect.
* In my view, it's disrespectful for Klopp to veto the deal. It's arguably a selfish act as he just wants Lucas around to cover injuries; Klopp clearly doesn't see the Brazilian as integral to his first-team plans.
* Lucas has been a loyal servant to the club, and after almost 10-years at Anfield, Klopp should've allowed him to leave on his own terms, especially as there's only one year left on his current deal.
In my view, it's obvious how things will progress now: Klopp will keep Lucas around for the next few months (in which time, he'll barely play) and when Matip, Sakho, et al etc are all fit again, Klopp will let him leave during the January transfer window.
Will Galatasaray still need Lucas then, though? Nazifogly states that the club will look at 'alternate names' instead, and if the club signs another defensive midfielder, there won't be room for Lucas.
Luvas has played his part for Liverpool over the last ten years, and instead of holding him back (and potentially damaging his career), Klopp should just let Lucas leave in the current transfer window.
^ Jul 2016: Reportedly on £80k-a-week
^ Nov 2015: Described by Klopp as an 'important player' for Liverpool
Last week, Galatasaray official Levent Nazifoglu confirmed:
"We've spoken personally with Lucas Leiva. He asked for one more day. The situation will be clearer by tonight".
A day later, Nazifoglu added:
“We are no longer pursuing Lucas Leiva, we will continue efforts to sign alternative names instead."
Why did the deal collapse? An agent close to the deal claims:
“Klopp was behind the transfer hitting the rocks. If it was up to Lucas he would've made the transfer.”
Lucas is a great ambassador for LFC, but his desire to leave is understandable. Unfortunately, the Reds have (IMO) treated him rather shabbily in this situation:
* At the age of 29, he's in the prime of his career, and sitting on the bench every week as defensive and/or midfield cover is hardly an enticing prospect.
* In my view, it's disrespectful for Klopp to veto the deal. It's arguably a selfish act as he just wants Lucas around to cover injuries; Klopp clearly doesn't see the Brazilian as integral to his first-team plans.
* Lucas has been a loyal servant to the club, and after almost 10-years at Anfield, Klopp should've allowed him to leave on his own terms, especially as there's only one year left on his current deal.
In my view, it's obvious how things will progress now: Klopp will keep Lucas around for the next few months (in which time, he'll barely play) and when Matip, Sakho, et al etc are all fit again, Klopp will let him leave during the January transfer window.
Will Galatasaray still need Lucas then, though? Nazifogly states that the club will look at 'alternate names' instead, and if the club signs another defensive midfielder, there won't be room for Lucas.
Luvas has played his part for Liverpool over the last ten years, and instead of holding him back (and potentially damaging his career), Klopp should just let Lucas leave in the current transfer window.
^ Jul 2016: Reportedly on £80k-a-week
^ Nov 2015: Described by Klopp as an 'important player' for Liverpool
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