5 Dec 2012

£10m epic fail: LFC won't be this incompetent in the transfer market again...right?

Last season, despite having £80m+ worth of attacking 'talent' on the field in most games, Liverpool struggled to score goals regularly, and this had a catastrophic impact on the club's league season. Brendan Rodgers bought moderately well in the summer transfer window, but he could've signed Swansea attacking midfielder Michu for a paltry £2m and Blackburn striker Jordan Rhodes for £8m (combined, the approximate cost of injured striker Fabio Borini). For some inexplicable reason, LFC/Rodgers decided against those deals, and whilst Liverpool trudge along struggling to score goals, Michu and Rhodes are banging them in for their respective clubs.

Over the last year, Liverpool were repeatedly linked with moves for Rhodes and Michu. Just imagine if Liverpool had bought both players in the summer:

* Combined cost: £10m
* Combined contribution so far: 24 goals/4 assists

There's no guarantee that Rhodes or Michu would've performed to the same level for Liverpool, but there's a strong probability that they would make a similar goalscoring impact. Imagine where Liverpool might be in the league right now with just *half* of their combined goal total added to the 'goals scored' column for the Reds.

Granted, Rhodes would've been a slight risk, but the fact is he's moved up a level and is still scoring lots of goals.

Michu, however, would've been less of a risk. In fact, his signing was arguably a no-brainer. The Spaniard repeatedly made it clear publicly that he was willing leave Vallecano. Indeed, a few months before signing for Swansea, he told Reporters:

"If a good offer arrives for Rayo and me I will leave. Rayo are suffering from money problems and it is normal to analyse things in these circumstances, but personally I still do not have an offer on the table."

So...What happened? Predictably, Liverpool failed to act, and Michael Laudrup ghosted in and signed Michu for a ridiculously cheap £2m (!). To add insult to injury, the Spaniard has taken to the Premier League like a fish to water, grabbing 11 goals and 2 assists in his first three months at the club. As a depressing comparison:

* Andy Carroll - who cost £33m more than Michu - took 16 months to score eleven goals for Liverpool.

* In his first 17 games, Michu already has more goals than Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing (combined cost £40m) have managed since they signed for Liverpool in the summer of 2011.

* Liverpool spent £26m on Joe Allen and Fabio Borini in the summer, plus an unspecified loan fee for Sahin, and Michu has outscored all three combined. Additionally, only Sahin has any goals to his name so far this season.

To label the situation 'transfer incompetence' may seem harsh, but considering the club's business over the last 18 months, and the abject failure to prioritise signing a proven goalscorer, I don't see any other way to characterise it.

It's sickening to know that Michu, Rhodes (and Jelavic) could be playing for Liverpool right now. What is going on with the club's scouting/transfer policies?

In Michu's case, why on earth would such a quality player - who grabbed 17 goals and 3 assists for Vallecano last season - be deemed not worth buying, especially for £2m?! Whoever made the decision to ignore Michu should be sacked IMO.

I'm a big fan of Joe Allen, but if I had to choose between him and Michu there would no contest (ditto Borini and Sahin), especially with Lucas in the team who can do the same job. With the Brazilian back, Allen - who is not a prolific goalscorer/creator - will play further forward, but I'm sure most Reds fans would rather see a player like Michu in that position.

Swansea City chairman Huw Jenkins today insisted that Michu will not be sold in the January transfer window. He told the BBC:

"We'll be looking to strengthen in January, not to weaken our squad, and we'll make every attempt to make sure that happens"

In my view, Liverpool should bid for Michu anyway. He cost £2m; why not offer £6-£8m and/or a swap deal involving Henderson or Downing (plus cash). Test Swansea's resolve. The Welsh club could potentially make 400% profit in only 6 months, and despite what Jenkins says, being a businessman, he'd almost certainly consider that offer.

Liverpool starlet Suso is a big fan of Michu, and in a recent interview with the official Liverpool FC website, the youngster reserved special praise for the the former Rayo Vallecano player. He enthused:

"He [Michu] is doing really well. Rayo Vallecano are not a big team in Spain, but it doesn't matter what team you're at - if you're a good player, you're always going to show people you have the capacity to be at a good club or play in the best league, which is the Premier League. Being honest, I am not surprised - he is a good player and can score a lot of goals."

As regular visitors will know, I am behind Rodgers, and I really hope he succeeds, but his transfer business so far has been underwhelming. Allen is a success, and he's vital to the way Liverpool play, but it could be argued that he wasn't a priority signing.

Borini has struggled to score/create goals; it looks increasingly like Rodgers sees Assaidi as a transfer mistake, and Sahin seems to be out of favour at Anfield right now, which begs the question, why bring him to the club in the first place?

If there is money to spend in January, Rodgers needs to get it right, but to be honest, with names like Sturridge and Walcott being thrown around, and at (predictably) overinflated prices, I'm not optimistic.

Jaimie Kanwar


195 comments:

  1. Wait for next season, both these players will go out of limelight. No Class, just form.

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  2. Good article mate . Only thing is when lfc come in, the price goes up straight away

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  3. 6 million , you're having a laugh .15 million for allan , a non scoring midfielder think again

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  4. be fair on Allen he has been playing infront of the defence the whole season while Michu has the license to pop at the right place at the right time

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  5. The bidding starts at £20m, which would appear to rule mid table sides like Liverpool out of the running.

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  6. But Allen is the "Welsh Xavi"!! LMAO!! What moron said that??? Another pathetic move by an incompetent small time manager who has built a team that is destined for mediocrity!!! Instead he overpays for allen bcuz allen was his little boytoy at swansea.. the sooner we fire brenda.. the sooner we can rebuild with a real manager.. of course fsg selling and getting out would help as well..

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  7. Gary Hooper had another good game tonight - a great goal and a clever all-round centre forwards performance. Lots of tracking back to help out his defence too.
    He would have fit LFC perfectly, but the Hoops won't want to sell now they're in the last 16.

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  8. Correct JC. £6m? Comedy gold. Henderson and Dowling? Wouldn't get in our squad. Seriously.
    Stick a 2 in front of it and we'll think about it.


    Deluded kopites crack me up...

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  9. 6-8 million to test swanseas resolve LOL, dont they realise we are cash rich with little debt and no shareholders to serve just a board who are swansea through and through...........we have cash, die hard board members, 20% owned by fans and some of the most passionate fans around where we cant accomodate all............. we are still rising and will not sell MICHU!!!!!!! yet at least

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  10. you haven't got the talent to give him service and where do you get the idea u were linked to michu I've searched the web and can't find a single reference to it don't make crap up just to have a dig at Ur own management

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  11. Swansea don't need to sell the player, and a bid of £6-8 Million with a player such as downing or Henderson(Would they get in the Swansea team?) would be completely dismissed. Liverpool need to exploit the financial stricken Spanish league like Swansea who have profited with the signings of Michu and Pablo Herndandez

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  12. also Joe Allen can't score goals except once in a blue moon he's played all over midfield and his best place is behind an attacking midfielder and he's average there

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  13. There's been no end of strikers who were prolific at lower levels and didn't make it at the top. Northern Ireland's Healy and Republic's Connolly, so no guarantees that Rhodes will do it either. Seems to be doing well so far for Rovers.

    Michu has been sensational but not really a like for like comparison with our midfielders who have never been prolific.

    Milevsky would be a good signing if available for as cheap as is being rumoured. I saw him play live v Drogheda Utd. Super player, very skilful.

    Cardozo is amazing but a bit old and may be overpriced.


    Sturridge is worrying at £15 million as is being suggested. He is very self indulgent but may offer the flare we sometimes lack.

    Tom Ince seems to be a good idea, although his reputation is pretty poor.....

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  14. I shoulda said other than the unconfirmed rumours nothing from Liverpool or michu

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  15. Needsleep_needfood10:12 pm, December 05, 2012

    Are you having a laugh Henderson or Downing wouldnt make our reserve squad.

    If Allen is worth 15m to, and based on your above logic michu is worth 25m.

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  16. 6-8 million + Henderson or Downing? ... Have you made your homework? Swansea has a clear restrictive paycheck policy and if Michu keeps his tally up, he will go for at least 20 million by next summer. Then Laudrup can buy 4 or 5 new Michus.

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  17. Why the f*ck would Swansea want Henderson or Downing?

    8M, f*ck off!

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  18. hHaha I think they get the idea can't believe the arrogance they still think their a top club jeez so far played 4 drawn two won two we still in the cup above u in the league why would he take a step backwards ? I can understand Allen leaving he saw the writing on the wall when laudrup started buying

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  19. Your valuation is based on what Swansea paid, not what Michu is worth as a player. 20 million ? What would you pay for Sturridge? Also Rhodes value will have increased. We got 6.2 million for Sinclair, and he wouldn't even get into our team now. Just saying......

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  20. RAFASdaysWEREtheGLORYdays10:25 pm, December 05, 2012

    i think getting Rafas Tom Ince back at any cost has to be our priority.Despite people saying it wasnt The Kings fault imo it was 100% the Kings fault.The King failed to spot Inces potential or didnt want to see it as it would have looked bad on the King playing one of Rafas fledglings over £20m Downing or £20m Hendo.Tom Ince would fit into FSGs plan perfectly and if Brendan fails to keep hold of Rafas Raheem Sterling we could use the money off Sterling to get Ince.

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  21. Chirag Vyas
    "no class ,just form" comment made me laugh , a bit like your lot , sorry, no form either

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  22. This is one of the funniest things I've read in a long time. "Test Swansea's Resolve". How about test Huw Jenkins's back after he falls off his chair in fits of laughter after he is offered £8mil and Henderson. Haha Henderson Jesus mother of god. Allen cost £15mil. ALLEN. This is MICHU. THE LEAGUES TOP GOALSCORER. If he is leaving he is going to a top 4 club or abroad. Talk about deluded. WHY WOULD MICHU GO TO LIVERPOOL. LOOK AT THE TABLE.

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  23. No class - MICHU. shot just got real

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  24. it's not just michu, it's hernandez, ki and chico all great signings without the big transfer fees

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  25. u absoloutley prat! No way in hell are we gonna sell michu to you! 6-8 million?! U can stick that up ur ass!

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  26. Last summer was quite awkward for Liverpool in many ways. We had a new manager who wanted his own players, and to make matters worse, our scouting system was basically non-existent. Considering these facts, it made perfect business sense for FSG to, as they said, "balance the books", meaning no more rash decisions before the club is settled. We all know how wrong that strategy was. (just don't ask Dalglish :( )

    Criticising Rodgers for the players he has bought is premature, but I understand your critique and it's valid. Don't forget you have the advantage of hindsight and don't forget as well the 3ml gamble we took with Assaidi. 3ml is a similar fee to the 2ml paid for Michu, so maybe like with like, that's the closest comparison one can make.

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  27. Ur comparing michu with ass. u mad bro?

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  28. Whats with all the sheep shaggers on here? Go back to worrying about your own tiny club.

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  29. Wow... A lot of pissed off Swansea folk on here.

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  30. This article is stupid. Who cares about how goals & assists Rhodes has gotten. Hes in the championship. Then you compare Michu goal tally to 2 defensive mids, one whos barely played and a 21 y/o whos been injured for most of the season.

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  31. Downing isnt good enough for Swansea fair enough. Buts what this nonsense about Hendo not getting in? How many young England internationals do YOU have. I think you'll find that would be all of none. So yeah I think he'd get into your squad...

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  32. Yeah because Liverpool have NEVER been able to raise £20M for a player before...seriously where do they find people like you?

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  33. Oh shut up will you.

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  34. RAFASdaysWEREtheGLORYdays10:59 pm, December 05, 2012

    Liverpool along with Real Madrid and Ac Milan are the worlds most 3 successful clubs ever.So when these fans off a tinpot club come on here saying one of their players wouldnt swap Swansea for a worldiwde global institution which is LFC then its you whose deluding yourselves.It wouldnt surpsie me for Michu to have a £5m clause in his contract,my only worry is hes under know pressure at Swansea but can these players cope with the expectation and pressure for playing for a world famous club which has 190 million fans worlwide at not just a few thousand Taffys from the valleys on incapacity benefit.

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  35. Liverpool have a better squad of players than Swansea. Lets be realistic. Swansea-Liverpool you scraped a point when Liverpool were the better team and had a perfectly good goal disallowed. And dont bother talking about the league cup, that was a RESERVE Lfc team ffs.

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  36. Its £12M for Sturridge...

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  37. Allen is 5 years younger...

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  38. Henderson improved a lot this year. Hes former England u-21 captain and current England international, still on only 22. You dont actually have that many good young players so if you think a player like wouldnt improve your squad then your pretty deluded. Or maybe you Swans are dizzy from being so far up the table eh? ;)

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  39. what a moron, why didn't united or spurs etc. sign him, spurs bought sigurdsson and dempsey for more than michu, does that make them incompetent? No one could have expected Michu to perfrom as he is and who knows if he'll keep it up, Papiss Cisse was sick last half of last season, not reproducing it now? 2 mil is very good but I bet a lot of you didn't even know who he was, wouldn't call it a no brainer. How about you get behind the team instead of picking at ridiculously small holes!

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  40. Thats quite true. We take their players or even manager any time we wanted. And deep down they know it. Personally though I kind of sick of us being so slow in the transfer market. Its like noone knew about Michu. Everyone knew he'd had a great season in la liga.

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  41. Ironic that Liverpool paid £15 mil for Joe Allen, and Swansea went out and bought Michu (£2m), Pablo Hernandez (£5.5m), KI (£5m) and Chico Flores (£2m). Combined total of £14.5m!!

    Sorry, but your idea of "testing the resolve" of Swansea with an offer of £6mil is laughable!!

    I know your Article (moan) is about the concerns of LFC, and not Swansea city, but come on bud, have a little respect and logic.

    The Swans have an AM who can also play CF, he's the joint top scorer and fits in very well in an attractive, talented side, that is stablising itself in the Premier league.

    Do you really think the Swansea board would swap this for a "small" profit?

    Liverpool need a better scouting system, and to stop trying to buy the success that is going on at Swansea city. Manager, assistant manager, players.... What else? The chief exec?

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  42. do u blame us every time we stabilize the club people from this club try to pinch our talent find Ur bastsrd own

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  43. Epic Fail?

    Brendan Rodgers is not Michael Laudrup and probably did not have his knowledge of the Spanish market, so to say Liverpool missed out on any transfers that Swansea made is a lot of twaddle.

    Remember, Swansea almost went out of the league. Only because of good management/leadership of the club and an involvement of the fans has got us to where we are.

    Liverpool can rebuild, but patience is something that has been forgotten in the top League. Patience might mean Liverpool finishing in the top 10 this season in order to re-build a squad that can compete properly in top flight.

    Leon Britton is one of our most consistent and probably most important players. He has been at the club for years.

    Liverpool need that kind of stability. I am very grateful to Brendan, he made our club a lot of money and was actually very loyal (contrary to idiots opinions). I just hope he gets two seasons to show just what he can do.

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  44. In all honesty can you blame us .when you have clowns like this writing non stories test swansea resolve. I know you scousers are known for your wit but offer Henderson / downing as well why not offer joe cole as well what a beaut .

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  45. No way you'd get Michu for that post of deal, add another 10m, I could see it being considered..

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  46. Finally a Swansea fan with a bit of humbleness and intelligence.

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  47. At swansea we have the knack of buying cheap and turning them into players that other teams want, I see liverpool are trying to play the game that has seen us climb the table from 20 minutes going out of the football league to if results go our way 4th in the premiership. We change our managers but keep our well established style of play and we will not pay silly money for players at any cost, we have a good scouting system around europe and we give players like michu a crack at premiership football if they show signs of quality, Liverpool had a chance of signing michu and let him slip through the net but thats history now....We will probably sell at the end of the season but whoever gets him wont have much change out of £25 million so be warned. He will go to a big club thats for sure and im not sure if liverpool will be considered as a big club who will win trophies for a few seasons yet.....you can try as we wont care who we will sell to as long as the money is right, Oh and dont insult us by offering any of your rejects as part exchange as we would rather find our own players as we are quite good at it dont you think...

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  48. where would he play?he may well make the squad but can you seriously see someone like him forcing anyone out of our team.England isn't exactly a team full of stars either dyer and britton are easily good enough if they were at a more fashionable club and you know it

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  49. u still ain't paid for Allen settle your debts before going shopping

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  50. last game of last year ? anfield last year where you couldn't beat us ?

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  51. Kacaniklic swap for Konchesky, Ince and Insua sold, not to mention the overpriced rubbish brought in. Its staggering how poor we were in the transfer market 2010-12.How to turn yourself into a midtable side 101. At least the newer dealings arent so bad-Sahin, Allen, Borini, Yesil, Assaidi, Joao Carlos, no revelations in terms of value as yet, but all young players with potential.

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  52. you USED TO BE successful what you in line for in the next couple years nothing Thats what

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  53. Great article, the next few signings by BR could well determine his managership, have to agree he,s hardly blew us away with his current purchases, still think allen can have a bright future, jury out on rest, its true that someone should be held accountable for our continuing negligence in the transfer market.

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  54. Ill be 1st to admit there is some selection bias towards Liverpool of late, but Hendo was England u-21 captain already before he joined Liverpool. Hes has good potential as a holding midfielder. Last year Kenny was trying to play him as a winger.

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  55. he's just pointing out how well our club is run and what you need sad that a fan can see it but not your board and I'm also grateful to rogers but am unhappy that every success we have is trying to be bought away to stop your rot after huw stands firm on this there will be less of this crap arsenal won't have him and neither will you

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  56. so how do you explain last season?
    You haven't exactly strengthened in the summer and as of yet you haven't defeated us in the premier league.

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  57. Last year we were weighed down by overpriced dross brought in by Kenny and Commoli. We are correcting our mistakes by buying young (players who havent yet heard of like Yesil ,German youth sensation), and currently have the youngest squad in the league. And we did a lot better against Swans than Arsenal or Newcastle did.

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  58. £25M for Michu is silly money. Suarez was £22M. You're not seriously going to argue that Michus better than HIM are you?!

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  59. Noone at Liverpool is actually talking about Michu though. We're trying to get OUT of a pattern of poaching from rival league clubs as it hasnt done us any good. Assaidi, Coates, Suarez, Yesil, Teixeira, although some of those are still wuite young and unproven, show that we actually have a decent striker rate in the foreign market when we bother to look.

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  60. Kanwar
    You really are an idiotic delusional buffoon! !
    Ok you lot paid about 7mill over the odds for Joey (us jacks are still pissin our pants over that one) but come on mate! 6/8 million for Michu! !! ....dream on you fud :) And anyway, why would he want to go backwards instead of going forward's :) If he goes anywhere it'll be for 20 million next season to a top four club! ! Dream on :)

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  61. By the way, if your not going to upton park & are watching the match on t.v. then make sure its at least a 50" screen to fit sam avaslice,s gigantic head on the screen, lol

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  62. We've stopped the rot by taking your previous manager (ta very much! :D), and slashing the age of the squad. We're still quite weak but now have a much better base to build from in future with arguably the best group of youngsters in the league (bar possibly Chelski), Yesil, Sterling, Wisdom, Suso, Ibe, Sinclair, Sama, etc.

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  63. Absolutely he is..

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  64. No, we havent really strengthened as yet, as players like Maxi, Bellers, and Kuyt were finally moved on and have left a gap, but what we have done is slash the age of the squad, at a time when a lot of talented young players are coming through. Suso, Sterling, Yesil, and Ibe are testament to the outstanding youth scouting network in place at Liverpool, which we havent really been given much credit for as yet.

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  65. Too many prostitute players in this league who cost lots of money and really don't give a feck.

    Swansea are a club that has come up from nothing the last few years,no mean achievement.

    They happen to play a very attractive,spirited style of football that is a joy to watch and I m an arsenal supporter.

    Stop being lazy and throwing money at successful clubs for players in the prem

    Spain,Greece,Italy and Portugal are awash with talent who are desperate to sell because they need cash!!, look further afield get your scouts off they re asses...

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  66. Arsenal fans are worried they are becoming a mid-table side. But at least they recognise the fact.
    Yes Liverpool are a massive club, in the terms of trophies won IN THE PAST.
    Maybe a few seasons under Rodgers, will get you back to challenging for the title. Certainly isn't going to happen in the next 2 or 3 years. Have you lot the patience to wait and maybe finish around 10th this year and slowly build back up? Doubtful. Or is the title yours just because you are LFC?
    This article is absolute shite. Borini, not scoring or creating chances. FFS, even Messi would struggle with a broken foot.
    £8 million and Henderson/ Drowning is just condescending and laughable.
    Didn't you clowns offer these before for Joey? And get knocked back, because they are no good. Just because you got mugged for them, doesn't make them good players. Newcastle still laughing their tits off for the £35 million Carroll?
    Your scouting system is dire. You and Man U turned down Michu "cos he can't head the ball." Don't get sanctimonious when we ask for more cash than Joey.
    You also turned ML down, when he wanted to play for you. A player highly revered throughout the football world. Good move that as well.
    £15 million for Joey? If you check the Swansea boards, the majority reckoned he was worth about £7- 10 million at most.
    But thanks for the £15mill, because we bought Ki, Pablo, Michu and Chico for that. And had £500k change to get a coffee in the services, on the way home.
    These players came, because they wanted to play for ML. But then you lot turned down one of the greatest players ever, when you knocked him back.
    Don't expect any favours from him or our Board of directors.

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  67. Just love the way he chews that gum too......

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  68. RAFASdaysWEREtheGLORYdays11:58 pm, December 05, 2012

    We turned ML down as a player when he was a teenager and he was saying he only wanted a 2 year deal.LFC wanted him to have a 3 year deal.In them days 2 year deals were unheard of,especially for players so young.

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  69. Because come May, Yous will be down the table. fighting for relegation. Swansea is just a flash in the pan team.

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  70. With respect, you're having a laugh. £20m? No chance whatsoever. Last season,. Michu scored 17 goals in La Liga and still went for only 2m. Swansea might put a £20m price tag on him, but given the current market, and similar deals, there is no way (IMO) any club would offer more than £8-£10m.

    Why would they? It would make no financial sense. Swansea paid £2m, and making 400% profit should be enough. They can refuse to sell, but no club is going to offer £20, £15, or £12m for a player who cost £2m four months ago.

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  71. most fans use general sites such as news now to follow articles about their teams, therefore the whole 'what are fans of other teams doing on our site' is a little niave and redundant. ou should embrace the banter and dialogue, thats what makes football great, as is reading ludicrous comments about the value of Michu being 6-8million. by January he may have scored even more so cant see him going anywhere on the cheap.

    Be interesting to see how liverpool fare without the (brilliant) suarez this weekend, least the swans have a back up striker/s.

    merry christmas

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  72. You're living in dreamland. Find one example in history of player in his mid-to late 20s who was bought for £2 and sold for £20m a year later. Or two years later. Michu might be worth it, but there is no way on earth anyone will pay that much.

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  73. Yes, of course it is, and that is how other teams will value him. Lots of players have one good season in the Premier League then fade from view. No club is going to gamble 20m on Michu if he has one good season.

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  74. Give over. That's football, and this is just a discussion, not reality.

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  75. Precisely. Fans from all teams are welcome here.

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  76. sound logic that! never mind?
    by christmas Michu will get a contract extension, though worthpointing out that Swansea are more than a one man team. remove Michu and we are still competitive, remove Suarez and Liverpool will seriously struggle!

    January will Derine Brendans tenure...

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  77. Carroll was £35m. So I wouldn't use how much a player cost as to their level of quality, like you have done with Michu and Suarez.

    Secondly, Suarez came straight from the Dutch league, which is not one of the top leagues in Europe. Whereas Michu has played in La Liga and now PL. So different circumstances. On top of that, Michu had one year left on his contract at Vallecano as well as a very low release clause and Vallecano were/are going through financial trouble. Now he is at another PL club and it is, generally, tougher to buy from another PL club, than it is to buy from foreign shores, as teams prefer not to sell players in the same league unless for a premium price as well as the buying club gets a player already used to PL. Very different circumstances between buying Suarez from Ajax and buying Michu now.

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  78. Only time will tell how good these youngsters are. So far, they haven't proven anything (most of them at least) and simply potential & hype at the moment.

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  79. Firstly you guys are living in dream land if you think you are going to get Michu for £8m. Seriously a MIDFEILDER who has has scored that many goals with over 50% of the season to go?

    Also you guys need to take a look at what you got in Borini, the guy is class. He may not have got amongst the goals yet and I realise he is injured, but this player is a right star. Jordan Rhodes isn't suitable to shine his boots.

    Then again thats the problem with many of you "bigger" club fans, you can't see the wood for the trees.

    If Michu had signed for you in the summer you would have been up in arms. "Why we signing this guy, Rayo Vallacano. La Liga relagation fodder. Shows where we are going".

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  80. Yesil has 1 in 1 goal average for Germany u18 and is highly rated there, Sterling, Suso and Wisdom have all broken into the 1st team at an extremely young age and done well, Ibe and Sinclair are starring in a dominant u-21 team despite only being 16, so Id say they have proven themselves. And those arent the only decent young players Liverpool have on their books.

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  81. What utter rubbish this article is! Brendan bought 2 players Joe and Fabio, who were excellent for Swansea. Unfortunately, neither have the same quality around them to perform at the level they were previously performing! Laudrup has replaced good players with BETTER players at Swansea, to play with the quality players left by Aunty Brenda!
    Get over it and go find your own Michu! He wont leave till next summer, for around £15million, and 25 premier league goals!

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  82. Stupid article there is a reason everyone was surprised by michu because he was unproven, there are lots of players playing well doesn't mean we need to have bought them all, heard that Ronaldo lad did well only went for 80million and we 'failed to act'

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  83. They may have broken in the first team but they still haven't proven anything in the long term. They haven't even completed a season of senior football, for gods sake! They will prove to be some of the best by showing it in the long term. So it is too early to start hyping them up like that. Great, Ibe, Adorjan, Ngoo, Morgan, Sinclair, etc, doing well in the youth teams but that is hardly a reliable measure that they will be successes in the future. Ten-a-penny good youth records. Nice that Yesil is doing well at youth level but youth level and senior level is a big difference. Don't you remember Le Tallec? Brilliant in youth international tournaments. Where is he now? Playing football for a average team in France. Big massive difference between youth football and senior football, regardless of the hype and spotlight placed upon these young players. Your putting too much pressure and hype on these young players, far too early.

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  84. FAO 'Dave from Swansea' and Callum - if you can't construct an opinion without hurling insults then you're not welcome. People just never f***ing learn. (Forgive my language) - You just think you can roll up here and act start being rude; well, you can't. Any fool can slag something off; it takes intelligence to argue in a civil manner. If you can't do that, go elsewhere. Do it again, and you're banned.

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  85. Nonsense. I called for LFC to sign Michu (on this site) several times pre and during the summer, and I'm sure other fans felt the same.

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  86. Sorry but the OP is toys outta the pram nonsense. Pool were NEVER in for Michu -FACT as Rafa would say! BR will sort you lot out but needs time. His record in the transfer market has always been ropey...for the Swans he brought in Sinclair (superb), Routledge (average til this season), Lita (shite), Graham (good), Tremmel (good), Moriera (crap), Donnely (too early to say but nowhere near 1st team). Other signings such as Vorm were made by the Board (specifically John Van Zweden who also brought Van Der Gun, Agustien and Bodde to the club. Brendan INHERITED the entire Back 4 of Taylor, Rangel, Ash and Monk (plus Tate) plus Allen, Moore, Dyer, Gower, Jazz but had the sense to re-sign Leon. His masterstrokes were the loan signings of Borini (2010/11) and Gylfi (11/12). But he also brought in shite like Priskin & McEachran on loan. So a very mixed bag. Compare with Laudrup who has brought in Pablo and Ki (5,5m each), Michu, Chico (2m each), Tiendalli (free), Scheter (loan)- no duds here! He's also developed young Ben Davies into a superb prospect @ just 19yrs old (never made an app under BR), kicked Routledge into shape and his only failure so far has been an inability to keep Graham out of the local boozers! Gents - the quality is there - LFC need to just tap into it via continuity, something SCFC have in abundance! Rangel cost £60k FFS! Tremmel nowt! Vorm £1.5m, Ash £500k, Graham £3.5m, Routs £2m etc, etc. Good Luck but pls stop living in the past!
    JJJack

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  87. Having a laugh at £20 Mill? With Respect, Stop laughing, then and don't bother bidding! Leave the chap where he is and we can have another 20 - 30 goals next season from the fella!

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  88. Oops also forgot to mention Jon De Guzman on loan who will sign for us Perm in Jan. Class act who'd walk into LFC's team this season! But then you guys would know that as he scored for us at Anfield in the COC......:@

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  89. Liverpool agreed 3 years with Laudrup, but when he should sign Liverpool wrote 4 years and rejected to change that. Then Laudrup moved to Juventus. Just to be clear!

    Maybe Liverpool will think Michu can only cost 8m since he was bought for 2m. He might even soon get a Spain cap, and the club who gets him is the club who know what a PL midfielder with 15-20 goals cost. I predict it will be a TOP 4 club in Spain or Italy. I dont see Chelsea or the clubs in Manchester goingfor him, and why should he be interested in Liverpool and Arsenal etc.

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  90. Most La Liga clubs are skint and desperate for cash. We're not. That's a pretty big difference that you just ignored completely.

    If you genuinely believe that the club who made you pay the full £15m for Joe Allen instead of gratefully accepting £13m plus Shelvey on loan would roll over and take £8-10m for the joint top scorer in the PL then you're insane.

    We'll decide what kind of profit is enough if it's OK with you?

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  91. Kanwar if only you were in charge of Liverpool's transfers instead of this website I'm sure you would never miss any of these players. Hahahahahahaha. It is easy to be right after the fact. I think you should find a new club to support. Liverpool does not need supporters like you.

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  92. If Henderson is so good . Why are you happy to offload him?

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  93. jaimie was right about rhodes and michu i remember the posts ,i di not say to much about michu,because i did not know much about him but i thought we should have signed rhodes a lot more potential than borrini

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  94. The other consideration would be that Swansea cannot afford to let Michu go as he could very well be the difference between staying up and going down. Not to say Swansea are anywhere near trouble but it would be a huge gamble to let him go for say £10m in January if it then costs £30m in lost revenue from the EPL.

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  95. Jesus, I can't believe what I'm reading here.

    LFC is still a giant name and will attract the players like Michu, but whoever thinks Swansea would accept £6m just becuase they paid £2m is mad. There would be many clubs willing to pay £10m+ for him so there will be a mini-auction, probably at the end of the season when teams see what he can do over a full season. If he bangs in 20+ goals then his value will be £15m+.

    What LFC fans seem to forget is that Swansea have no debt, an amazing team spirit, resptect manager and no reason to sell. They are quite unique, so we would just be arrogant arseholes if we thought we could nick Michi on the cheap. We know that we can turn his head and create interest, but let's get real.

    Swansea's stability on and off the pitch has been the foundation for their success. It probably won't last forever but in the meantime I suggest that we give them the credit and respect they deserve. They've got an amazing team there and mainly bought for relative peanuts.

    Maybe Brendan will turn us around eventually, but I know that Swansea are the team that we need to look up to, not down to. Let's not behave like the arrogant twats up the road - can't we be a little more humble?

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  96. Agree with Jaimie 100% it's about time we scouted much much better, come on BR get is sorted in the scouting department!!!

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  97. Who won a trophy this year?, going to Wembley 3 times and 2 finals????

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  98. If Liverpool want Michu then they will get him, 100% for sure!!!

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  99. Last won a trophy in what decade????, a proper trophy.

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  100. The price of a player is not related to the amount they were bought for - if so, as you lot paid £500,000 for Sterling, can we pay £2m for him? You should appreciate the money! It's quadrupled your outlay!! You will scoff at the idea, but then suggest the same for Michu. If I bout a £150,000 house for £50,000 it doesn't suddenly make the house worth that - it just means we got more for our money. Michu for £2m is irrelevant to his value now. He was underpriced because of the financial problems at the club/league and the fact that he only had one year at a top league - but now there is no such driver to his sale and he now has a second year at a top league, proving his adaptabilit and improving is scoring and passing stats. I'm sorry, his price is now judged on comparable players around him. Being 26 rather than 21 will affect his price, as will 2 years on his contract and his goalscoring. I'm sorry, but 8m will not come close.

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  101. £12m will be enough!!!

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  102. He will don't worry, he's doing well so far.

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  103. The big dog wins that's life!!!

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  104. Didn't take long bin dipper , paid your money yet?

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  105. You say "England International" like it's supposed to be some sort of quality guarantee. Amusing.

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  106. Yes fantastic , brilliant, isn't he

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  107. Papis Cisse has done what this season?, you do have to be careful as you say.

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  108. Would be a relevant point if Michu was the wrong side of 30.

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  109. If other clubs don't think he's worth what we want then he stays put. It's not as if we're desperately trying to offload him in an Andy Carroll style now is it?

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  110. Sterling defence of Henderson here. He's a bit old now to still be talking about potential, and he's struggling to cut it in the PL. Played out of position last year, and only playing now because of a thin squad. For Swansea to take him would be a bit of a gamble. 2 years as an overage in the reserves to learn how to pass and move. On balance not an attractive prospect. He'd be better off at say a Blackburn.

    I wish Liverpool well and I can see some progress, but theres not many with the ball skills Rodgers wants. He's a massive job to bring in the kind of players to play how he sees the game should be played.

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  111. It might be that Rodgers did not go for Michu as this was part of the gentlemen's agreement that Rodgers could not go for Swansea players. Maybe that included Swansea transfer targets who will have been identified before the summer. On the other hand, it can't be a coincidence that Michu played in La Liga where Laudrup managed Mallorca so it could also be that Laudrup is the one that put Swansea on to him. As for Rhodes, let's see what he does should he ever play in the Premiership.

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  112. They would want too much for Michu-we missed that train, move on. Send scouts to see Djuricic, Praet and others- get our own Michu.
    Plus there is so much pressure in Liverpool- who says he is up for the job, if we bring him for 12 mil he would have to be regular, Djuricic for 3 mill would not, plus smaller wages. Learn from mistakes, don't make it bigger.

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  113. Lol. 6-8 million. I'm sorry but no chance would that be considered.

    About 6 years ago, Swansea signed dutch midfielder Ferrie Bodde for 50, 000. 2 seasons later, having just been promoted to the championship and having never sold a player for 6 figures, the club declined bids of over 4 million (an 80000% increase) when Bodde was 26. As bad luck would have it bodde went on to have a career ending injury.

    Since then Swansea have been promoted, stayed in the PL and look likely to do so again. They have also made a significant profit in the transfer market.

    But yeah, 6-8 million for the league's top joint scorer? I'm sure they'd bite your hand off....lol

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  114. Look at Matias Suarez and Wilfried Bony, they are class and under £10m for either of them. They are regular scorers for their clubs and in Europe too, players are there now!!!........................It's about scouting scouting scouting!!!

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  115. If Bony is available for under 10 I think we must buy him, must. Plus Klaas.

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  116. I would love to swap our top scorer for £6-8 million and one of the attacking impotent duo of Henderson and Downing.

    No way would only an idiot would think this is a good transfer for Swansea.

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  117. If he wasn't playing for Liverpool Henderson wouldn't be an England international. As Leon Britton would be if he was also. It's been a problem with England for decades. Just look at Tom Cleverly. Played well for Wigan didn't get a look in, returns to Man U and....

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  118. DanishPlasticFantastic9:37 am, December 06, 2012

    " He cost £2m; why not offer £6-£8m and/or a swap deal involving Henderson or Downing (plus cash)"

    You need to call your psychiatrist to have your prescriptions renewed if you think this is not a laughable "offer" seen from Swansea's perspective.

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  119. Comedy gold, comedy gold.

    Do you really think that Swansea would let Michu go for such a pitiful amount?

    Perhaps Man U will sell you van Persie for £6m too


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  120. what to say?

    MICHU HAS BEEN A SURPRISE PACKAGE this season, but you cant just compare him with every liverpool midfielder n term them flops? i mean arsenal signed santy carzola for some 20miln n if you compare again michu cost 2miln . ..so does that mean arsenals r fools ? same goes with hazard ,

    there have had been so many midfielders who were transferred in that window in much costly amounts...n for sure michu would beat them on form so does that mean every one is fool and wrong?

    these things happen, last year everything pepis cisse touched turned into a goal, that doesnt mean every club on earth missed out on him.
    i know we could have done better in those matter n we should next time...

    i dont agree with you abt the michu comparisons but last part is what i think may come true. wallcot n stredge n all these are rejects for their respective clubs , i know it may be too harsh to call them rejects but fact is both of them havent found their feet in their current clubs, its been 2-3 yrs they r still the wanna be stars...n i dont think liverpool is an ideal place for it. guys like hendo,bebal have so much talent but liverpool is the toughest place for such guys too much pressure
    ..we should go for some south american/ spanish flavor . these guys have a lot of technical ability to perfectly suit BR'S style.

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  121. you r drunk i think....

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  122. I said he is no class, so why would I want LFC to buy him? I don't really care if he leaves or not.

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  123. Not much time left on contract (1 year) + low release clause (£4m I think was the clause) + club in financial trouble = Vallecano letting Michu go for cheap

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  124. Watch LFC in the next couple of seasons. We'll certainly be back in the top 4 where belong. Unlike Swansea, you're likely to get relegated. Oh and remind me - when was the last time you won the CL, PL or even anything for that matter, you dingy nobody club with around 100 fans, half of them sheep!!!! LOL!!!!!

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  125. It's a good job you stayed off school today, Logih or we might have missed your quality contribution to the debate.

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  126. Why all the Michu love? Just because he's scoring for Swansea doesn't mean he'd be any good at all for Liverpool. Do note that Dempsey was banging them in last season for Fulham, whats he doing at Tottenham this season? Charlie Adam was inspirational the season before we bought him, how crap is he now.

    Going crazy about a player thats had half of a good season... sounds like something Comolli would do (Andy Carroll). Its all nonsense really.

    Rodgers is doing a great job with what he has and he'll buy the right players for the right positions. Where does Michu play... do we really need someone else in that position? We play a 451/433 formation... where would he play?

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  127. Oh please give it a rest. Firstly, whereas I accept the rise of Michu could just be a case of a half decent player who's in form. But to say he has "no class" is preposterous. You don't come into a completely foreign environment to a new League and a new Club, then score 11 by December 1st if you've no class. Remember his stats in La Liga last season. Very impressive.

    But If I was a manager of ANY club I'd have to see a player do well over a full season at the very least in the Prem before taking a chance. Papisse Cisse looks half the player he was last time.

    It makes me laugh to see fans of bigger clubs like Liverpool, and more recently Arsenal, lose their minds over the prospect of a new order in the Prem. Times are a-changing, folks. Gate receipts are now much less important to success and with the Financial Fair Play rules coming in you'd better get used to things being very different from now on. The glory days may well be over for some clubs' fans who thought they were better because they were bigger and had a god-given right to go out and cherry pick from 'lesser' clubs. If I'm right that has to be a good thing.

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  128. If I remember rightly we didn't actually have a scouting team this Summer, so lets hope the new guys we've brought in from City can do a decent job.

    I can't believe we turned down this guy for £2m (as cover/replacement for Gerrard) and Diame for free (as cover for Lucas)!

    I know Swansea wouldn't freely admit it, but does anyone think Mitchu might have a clause in his contract? It would have been good business on his behalf if his agents had negotiated one...

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  129. Stop mirin man. :P

    Jokes aside, I was comparing them only because of the similar fees paid and their similar age. They play in a different position and if we want to take it further and talk about the impact they have made, Michu wins without a doubt.

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  130. Hey Isaac, thanks for noticing my interlect - very good!!!. Now as for Michu Manchu Menchu, he's a one season player, juts like Papa cisse. We need players like Huntelaar, or even Cavani, who may I mention has actually (for the record) stated, he would like to talk to LFC and Arsenal first before speaking to the likes of Man city and Chelski, as he's more interested in playing football, rather than over inflated pay checks.

    Also may I remind all you non LFC fans that Liverpool is a footballing institution, not just a cash cow club, and big names that are linked with the club are flattered - FACT.

    So as I said you can keep your Michus and whatever you call the rest of your one hit wonder, one season players. We'll talk again at the end of may folks.

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  131. This article is one big insult towards Swansea and Michu as player.

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  132. You sure you have the youngest squad and not Chelsea? when Chelsea played you lot they had younger players on the pitch at that game.

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  133. Should all the other clubs scouts etc who 'Ignored' Michu be sacked as well then? Ridiculous article that makes judgements on players with hind sight. Its easy to spot the bargains after they are performing.

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  134. How do you know he's a 'one season wonder'. Crystal ball working well? Last season he did brilliantly in arguably a better league.

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  135. It is well known there was a little Argentinian who Liverpool were tracking back in 1999-2000 and all they had to do was outbid Barcelona (and offer to pay for his growth hormone drugs).... Anyway, Liverpool went and bought Eric Meijer from Bayer Leverkusen believing him to be a better option and much more of a quick ....whoever made the decision to ignore Messi should be sacked IMO... I am sure you get my point.. What a ridiculously unintelligent misinformed article.. If I had 1p for every "should and could have signed him" I'd be a millionaire.. If you are going to offer opinion, try to talk sense... Missing out on Michu and similar types happens all the time...

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  136. Better league?!? Yes, in basketball...

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  137. You could say the same about Liverppol and Suarez. Without his goals LFC would probably be fighting relegation at the moment

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  138. If you play as a defensive midfielder your job is to defend and scoring is a bonus. I think he is a awesome footballer

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  139. And you lot have been in the epl how long? (Should be in your own little welsh league anyway). I love these little clubs giving it all this based on 1 or 2 seasons, don't forget Ipswich under burley, Sunderland under Reid and most recently Newcastle under pardew. What happened to them? Do you seriously think Swansea are going to the top? And if michu was such a steal why did no one else actually move for him?!

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  140. The prices you Scousers are quoting for Muchu bear no relation to reality. Why wouldn't Hugh take 6 to 8M you ask? Well, the Swans already have a nice unspent war chest from the Rogers (5M), Allen (15M) and Sinclair (6.5m) deals (please settle the unpaid balance ASAP by the way!) Also consider that a team with Michu in it is virtually guaranteed EPL survival, bringing us 60M television money next season. There is also an extra 900K or so on offer for every place higher we finish. Even on this last point losing eight places by selling Michu would virtually cancel out the piddling amounts you are talking about. How much is an EPL joint top-scorer worth? Well we're looking to strengthen in January: how much would you want for the diver?

    Many of us still have a soft spot for Brenda. It was just that we had to lose him to move to the next level.

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  141. As far as the season goes, Borini has actually scored, he scored in the Europa League. Allen hasn't scored, but it's not his job to score, he was bought to keep possession ticking over, which he has done successfully.

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  142. Was there something about the word 'arguably' that passed you by?

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  143. Funny you say you have little debt, so do Liverpool, when FSG took over, they removed all debt we had, we also have cash, however, we spend for the right players.

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  144. Would be relevant if Allen was the same type of player as Michu.

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  145. And who is playing in Europe, even if it's Europe's 2nd tier competition and you say the cup, what cup are you talking about? League Cup? Fair Call. FA Cup? Still in it lad

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  146. We won the League Cup last season and were in the final of the FA Cup and that was a poor season for us. That proves the point, a bad season for us and we win one trophy and get into the final of another trophy, a bad season for you and you're relegated. A good season for us and we are in CL placings or higher, a good season for you and you are still in the PL.

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  147. A scouting system's purpose is to buy the success of other teams by buying the players of that team. Do you feel the same way about Man City for buying Sinclair? How about Tottenham for taking Sigurdsson from under your noses? This is football. If you have players that are performing, they are going to be signed by bigger clubs and whether you believe it or not, relatively speaking, Swansea are a small club and Liverpool are a huge club, that is not being disrespectful, that is being factual.

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  148. We didn't buy Sinclair mate, that was Man City. If players perform, like Allen did last season, than invariably they draw attention from bigger clubs. And whether you believe it or not, just because we have had a couple of poor seasons by our standards, we are still a huge club.

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  149. Watch Liverpool from the 80s and you'll see that we aren't copying the way that Swansea play but in fact getting back to the way that we played back then.

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  150. Open to argument says dictionary- no it is not. EPL is miles ahead.

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  151. And the Sinclair sale didn't pay for any of the signings? Funny how fans seem to forget that Man City bought Sinclair and haven't even played him.

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  152. I believe Sigurdsson got taken from under your noses! Swansea gave up as soon as Brenda left and was expecting Siggy to follow him to Anfeild.

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  153. Frankly, Michu will never get a Spain cap, Jose Enrique has been superb for us but hasn't gotten a Spain cap. Generally speaking, players need to be playing in La Liga to represent the national side. Why do you think Cesc wanted to go back to Barca? Used sporadically when at Arsenal, goes to Barca, regular, same with Xabi for us and Pique for Man Utd. It's the politics of Spanish football. And with the midfielders that Spain have, frankly, Michu won't get anywhere near the Spanish squad. Harsh but fair.

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  154. Another player that probably no one has heard of is a young lad plying his trade in the A-League by the name of Marco Rojas, very fast, very skillful, scoring goals for fun, is a wide player but can play either flank, just behind the striker or in the striker's role itself. Although unproven in any of the bigger leagues, would be a gamble worth taking for 2-3 million, even 5 million. Huge potential for this lad and is by far and away the best player in the league, this being a league that has Emile Heskey and Alessandro Del Piero, as well as Shinji Ono.

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  155. What are the chances of a work permit? That is the pain in the backside for PL clubs.

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  156. Why would FFA effect bigger clubs like Liverpool or Arsenal? In fact, it would have the reverse effect on those clubs. When we reach the CL again, and that is a "when", we will be able to buy either more players or more expensive players because of the added revenue.

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  157. Do you mean the same Huntelaar who played for both Real Madrid and AC Milan and flattered to deceive? When he has been at a huge club, he hasn't performed as well for whatever reason, a smaller club with less pressure and he has.

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  158. Really is there a way for fans to suggest someone to our scouts?

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  159. Even Mata finds it hard to get in the squad regularly. Maybe in the most recent squad but certainly wasn't in the squad for the France game and the other game that slips my mind. Javi Martinez, £35m+ signing for Bayern, isn't always in the squad. Putting aside the politics, they have some seriously good depth.

    I think another possible problem for Enrique is that Spain do not always call up two dedicated left backs. Sometimes Monreal is called up along with Alba but sometimes it is only Alba, as the likes of Arbeloa, Dominguez and Puyol can play left back. For the Euro 2012, they only took one dedicated left back.

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  160. We still have some debt facility left over from stadium-related costs, which has been refinanced from Wachovia & RBS to RBS, Barclays & BofA. This was done in Sept last year for a 3 year term. Said to be worth £120m. Now this is for both stadium-related and corporate-related cost. Nothing out of ordinary for a big club that is looking into expanding, but debt is debt, regardless of how small or big. Not sure how much has been used but on the books we have a minor debt interest payment of £3m, which is nothing strange for a club of our size.

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  161. why do liverpool fans always live in the past, you were once a big club but be honest you havent been big for years.if you had michu at the moment and a proper BIG club came in for him wouldn't your average size club want as much money as possible?

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  162. I don't know about Rhodes because he aint been tested in the top league, but Michu has. Michu was scoring goals in La Liga before he came to the PL and he's doing the same now so I don't agree with the comment he has no class.

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  163. Michu scores... This is why Del Bosque will not ignore him. PL players get caps too. Silva is e.g. playing regular.

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  164. You wasted 15m on Joe Allen, and Laudrup think Michu is worth the double, so the price tag is 30m

    Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/swansea-city/9727340/Swansea-City-manager-Michal-Laudrup-values-Spanish-striker-Michu-at-30m.html

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  165. Thank you Nicky for a realistic, fair and respectful analysis of Swansea over the last ten years. As a die-hard Jack I find the above not only disrespectful to the foundation our club is run on, but also disappointing to the majority of LFC supporters who are true believers in the importance of beautiful football. Poaching players on the basis of club size and wealth doesn't work and worse still deflects blame from the people really at fault - the once magnificent LFC scouts. You clapped us off Andield last year and no one in Swa sea will ever forget that. Rebuild your team in the appropriate manner, come to Wales and play beautiful football and every last Jack will return the compliment and clap you off the park too.

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  166. Michu prized £30m
    but okay, LFC was a top club and have the history, fair enough. But Michu moved to Swansea to play for Michael Laudrup, which he enjoys. So why on earth would he make a move to Liverpool? Only reason, to get some money in the bank. But why not wait to see if a current top european club makes a bid. Liverpool are lightyears away from making it back to the top, while Swansea is on the rise and Michu´s value.
    Swansea might be a fluke, but as long as they play so inspiring football where even fans from other clubs like Arsenal's pay them respect after a game, then why on earth would Michu leave such a team.
    Liverpool´s last signing who turned out to be a succes is who? Suarez? Okay, I´ll take that, but they try to build a team by paying a shit load of money to gain success. And it just don´t seems to work for them.
    Liverpool has to start all over, and think about developing their own talents. In history that has proven to be the way to win for them, so it´s back to basics for Liverpool if you want to become a top club again.
    Furthermore, Michael Laudrup is a way better coach than Brendan Rodgers. Swansea rule, Liverpool sucks except for Daniel Agger :-)

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  167. have to laugh when I read all these posts about being unrealistic. I agree £8m wouldn't do it, but Laudrup saying £30m for a 1/2 season wonder? Very realistic.

    By the way, there's a lot of bravado here when Swansea lie just 4 points ahead of us in the table at less than halfway through the season.

    Admire the way you've played and continued to progress this season. But hardly time to lord it over LFC who see this season's efforts as way below our potential, and showing ever greater signs of improvement.

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  168. As a die-hard Jack I find the above not only disrespectful to the foundation our club is run on, but also disappointing to the majority of LFC supporters who are true believers in the importance of beautiful football. Poaching players on the basis of club size and wealth doesn't work and worse still deflects blame from the people really at fault - the once magnificent LFC scouts. You clapped us off Andield last year and no one in Swa sea will ever forget that. Rebuild your team in the appropriate manner, come to Wales and play beautiful football and every last Jack will return the compliment and clap you off the park too.

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  169. I'm not saying it is impossible and I haven't placed too much important on the difficulty of being called up whilst being in PL so I know PL players get caps too but simply illustrating it is hard, whether it be Michu, Cazorla, Arteta, Mata, Azpiculueta, Iraola, etc. They got serious strength in depth, the Spaniards, especially in the attacking midfielder positions, regardless of how many goals Michu scores.

    I don't think it is a case of 'he scores more than any other Spanish attacking midfielder, so that means he won't be ignored'. International team selection can be a little bit more complicated than that, especially with a side like Spain, who have a particular style and already have a bunch of players who are accustomed to the tactics and are successful, legendary level of successful. He may well get his chance in a friendly but beyond that, it will be a tough ask to stay in it consistently. Mata and Cazorla have been brilliant too, in their own creative ways, add in Navas (usually gets picked as he brings genuine width when they need to switch things, see WC final where his introduction changed the game to Spain's advantage with width), Silva (he broke into the Spain squad when it wasn't anywhere near as settled and successful as it is by now, as he was in the squad long before they won Euro 2008. It is harder now) and Cesc. Than you got someone like Isco, brilliant young talent who has been doing the business in Champions League, that is knocking on the door too. That is not even taking into account, the best of attacking midfielder of them all by far, Iniesta.

    It certainly isn't the England side, where everything is up in the air, poor depth of players and players from the bloody Championship are being called up. Hodgson has called up four squads worth of players in his time already! Spain are a settled team, a successful team, that do not have the need to experiment much.

    He will probably get a few caps in friendlies and offer something interesting as a forward maybe (but even then, Del Bosque has his favourites already (still bloody perseveres with Torres) as well as they have a particular playing style that simply isn't just about picking a player who has scored the most.) but in terms of being a long term fixture in the squad, I have my doubts. Not because he isn't good but because the competition is ridiculously intense.

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  170. ermm take a look at the table fella. since when is a club better than another club with less points.....when was the last time liverpool beat us...LMHO

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  171. The pricetag is now official, 25-30 million euro. That means hands off, ofcourse if City or any other club with so much cast come in then one cant say no.

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  172. Just for information, Swansea fans, here's the table from the corresponding week season 10/11

    Bolton had 23 points, like you now, and a well trumpeted young manager. Where did Bolton end up that season? 14th.

    http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/matchday/league-table.html?season=2010-2011&month=DECEMBER&timelineView=date&toDate=1291679999999&tableView=CURRENT_STANDINGS

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  173. when have liverpool won the premiership. ?????

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  174. Like i said in earlier post nobody will get much change if any from £25 million, That is what he is valued at by us and thats what some big club will pay if we decide we want to sell. Liverpool has never won the premiership and are just like most of us an also ran, He would never go there when there are bigger clubs around, liverpool are below swansea so why go to a team that are not doing as good and has not paid in full for the last player they had to pay £15 million for....so we can rule out any middle of the road teams like liverpool full stop....unless of course if you offer silly money starting at £25 million Like you bought joe allen for £15 million.....Money talks ....

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  175. That is the best idea - scouting and buying players should be proactive, not reactive. As long as you keep buying players from rival teams in this league in good form then you leave yourself open to overpaying and disappointing form in a second season. Liverpool are best off looking for the new Michu rather than the actual one. I say that as a Swans fan with my own obvious motivations but, in all seriousness, you will not get a bargain with Michu now. That ship has sailed. Sure, as a bigger club with an ability to pay more, then Liverpool could be a draw, but it's not going to happen on a budget now. There are others out there. The lesson to be learned is to look to the others who could have the same impact at a similar bargain price.

    P.S. comments like "tin pot club" etc don't reflect the reputation that Liverpool football has fostered over decades of success. Throwing your weight around and mocking supporters of a small club that has been through a lot is a bit low. I wonder what Liverpool fans felt like when Real Madrid or Chelsea were chasing after Gerrard - I doubt they felt "I hope he goes there - there's more money and they're more likely to win the league. That's football."

    It;s always worth putting yourself in the other person's shoes.

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  176. ...in your opinion. I tend to agree the PL is the best but I'm also prepared to recognise that my view is open to argument and others may well disagree - possibly justifiably.

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  177. who are you swans though you welsh bastards shouldnt even be in our league

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  178. I really don't get the comments above with regards to Michu being bought for £2m and therefore must be sold if an offer of £6-8m came along. Where is the logic in that? Sure it looks good business on the face of it - quick profit yippee! - but how much to replace a player like that? £10/20/30m?? (You could spend £50m on Torres and fall flat on your a*se!)
    What if the replacement doesn't perform and you then then struggle or even relegated - not looking like such a marvellous spot of business now is it? And that is why any club with a free scoring player won't part with them for peanuts, if Michu carries on scoring til the end of the season returning say 20ish goals, his realistic market value is £15-20m.

    And as for selling players for profits - just look at Arsene Wenger and Arsenal. Obviously every situation is different but:
    Viera - paid £3.5m, sold for ~£20m (granted played 8-9 seasons, but was 29 when moved on)
    Fabregas - paid ~£1m, sold for over £25m
    Anelka - paid £500k, sold for £22.5m. That's 4400% profit in less that 2 years. Not bad.

    You might get a bargain when you buy something, but when you come to sell it you're still going to charge the market rate.

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  179. Lol where are big spending Liverpool in the league , take Suarez out you be below reading lol muppets on crack again

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  180. Jamie you on the crack pipe again , michu is ten times better than Carroll , Hendo, downing, and borini was £10m you say in this artical that Liverpool were interested in michu , when exactly was that , michu not for sale

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  181. Yes mate right players lol I won't even name the muppets you have wasted money on

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  182. I was there at the library they call anfield, the graveyard of talent , and swans out played you and your own fans clapped us off the park which was a really nice thing , but can't remember how many goals you have scored against our poor side

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  183. Yes and remember 1990 the last time Liverpool won the league , you going the wrong way , which is a crying shame , cause I like the team , but get in the real world , buddy take Suarez out and you would be dire , let's hope sterling signs a new contract tho, another shining light , Gerard is gone , ain't the player he used to be

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  184. You forgetting something here , what did Liverpool do when andy Carroll had like 10 games in the premier league , ohhh did they pay £35 m for him ohh forget again he's young 22 and michu is 26 and if you watch him play week in week out , like us swans fans then you will realise is worth , not just on match of the day

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  185. Maybe , but how much longer you gonna be big dogs remains the question , top 7 club don't really sound that good , but that's the truth

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  186. Going after an injured player is terrible journalism. Fabio is EXACTLY missing. I watched all games he's played. He has 2x the vision that Michu has. Fabio may not be Suarez in touch or finishing ability, but in 2 years he will be 10-15 goal guy because he knows where to go to poach. You will all see.

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  187. There's no guarantee that Michu would have wanted to come to your club in the first place. My my you lot really think you're special don't you. You nee to wake up !

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  188. Yes its a no brainer that if michu had been looked at and was available for 2 million we didnt go for him. And your definately right that our scouts need to be sacked. Its shocking that we have wasted so much yet talent at a 10th of the price has gone to smaller clubs.

    i doubt we will get michu in the transfer window because if we were prepared to pay 15 million for allen they'll want a darn sight more for michu.

    Michu, huntelaar and mo diami could be for very little but still were linked with sturridge and darren bent!

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  189. Haven't you got matches to fix, off you pop.

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  190. Beat you the other week fair and square.

    Unfortunately you've got a manager who sees nothing wrong with match fixing.

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  191. haha are you genuinely implying that we fixed that match?
    Probably the most deluded thing I've ever read.
    So I suppose the perfectly good goal we should have scored against Norwich was ruled out because the canaries paid the ref?
    All the decisions even themselves out (unless it's Utd). The fact is it's not a goal unless the referee thinks it is. If you can't accept that I suggest you watch another sport

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  192. would be relevant if goalscorers weren't the most expensive players on the pitch

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  193. good idea, the direction your clubs going you'll have forgotten what they look like soon

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