10 Dec 2016

Yes Please: Liverpool want 'incredible' £33m goal-machine with better stats than Sturridge. Offer in January

Liverpool are reportedly planning a January move for one of Manchester United's former players.

According to The Mirror:

"Liverpool and Tottenham are plotting moves for Javier Hernandez. Both teams are planning rival offers to bring the former Manchester United striker back to England".

In my view, this is a realistic, enticing link, for the following reasons:

* Rarely injured, which is (or should be) a priority selection criterion for new players.

* Proven in the Premier League, La Liga, and the Bundesliga, so settling-in shouldn't be a problem. Plus, after playing for Man United and Real Madrid, small club mentality shouldn't be an issue.

* Copious Champions League experience, and proven on the international stage.

* Given his comparatively minimal average minutes per game (AMPG), Chicharito's minutes per goals/assist ratio is consistently good:

- Man Utd: 59 goals/20 assists (79) in 159 apps = One every 105 mins (AMPG = 52 mins)

- Real Madrid: 9 goals/9 assists (18) in 33 apps = One every 75 mins (AMPG = 41 mins)

- Leverkusen (This Season): 21 goals/2 assists in 25 apps = One every 84 mins (AMPG = 77 mins)

- Total Mins: 11649. Aggregating the minutes into 90 minute matches, Hernandez has (in real terms) - played only 129 full games (Combined) for Man Utd, Real, and Leverkusen).

- Career Total: 177 goals/assists (160) in 328 apps = One every 102 mins. As a comparison: Sturridge = One every 106 mins.

Hernandez - hailed by Real Madrid legend Emilio Butragueno as an 'incredible player' - basically guarantees a certain level of goals and assists, and the fact he's maintained his prolific output in three separate leagues (and at international level) is a good indicator of probable success at Anfield.

A possible sticking point may be Hernandez's £33m buyout clause, but if the Reds can negotiate a manageable fee (£12m-£18m, for example), is Chicharito a viable target?


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