Liverpool are reportedly one of a host of clubs (including Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea) interested in signing Italy legend Andrea Pirlo during the January transfer window.
According to MilanNews today (and also reported on the official LFC website):
"Big British clubs are working behind the scenes to bring Pirlo to the Premier League.
"Tottenham lead the way, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Man City and Man United also interested"
When asked in March if he would ever consider a move to the Premier League, Pirlo told Corriere dello Sport:
"Never say never. When I get older I might make a choice like Del Piero did. In the past I have been on the verge of transfers abroad and I always thought it would be a positive experience."
Pirlo's current deal expires next summer, which means he's free to sign a pre-contract agreement with another club in January.
It's probably just pie in the sky, but it would be absolutely amazing to have Pirlo at Anfield. The Italian is probably my favourite player in world football, and watching him play is just pure joy.
Pirlo may be 34, but if LFC could snap him up on a free transfer then there's definitely a possibility that FSG would sanction the deal.
Just imagine how inspiring it would be to have a bona-fide world cup legend at the club. I can only see benefits, and with Xabi Alonso reputedly on his way to the MLS, Pirlo would be a superb alternative.
Just look at his impact for Juventus: arrived in 2011, and played an integral role in Serie A giants winning two consecutive Serie A titles.
Team-mate Gianluigi Buffon recently heaped massive praise on Pirlo. He told reporters:
“When Andrea told me he was coming to Juventus, my first thought was “thank goodness”. Then when I saw him play I thought: “There is a God! His footballing skills are out of this world. A player of his quality and his market value, especially on a free transfer, must be the buy of the century"
Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta is also a huge fan, and last year, he told Rai Sport:
“Pirlo has been amazing, I think he is the best signing of my career. How much he is worth? Players like him are priceless.”
If Pirlo signed for LFC it would be another 'buy of the century' IMO, but how would he fit into the team, and how would his presence impact on Gerrard? using the current squad:
---------------------- Mignolet
------------ Toure --- Skrtel ------ Sakho
Johnson ----------------------------------- Enrique
---------------- Gerrard ---- Pirlo
--------------------- Coutinho
------------- Suarez --------- Sturridge
Or, using 4231:
---------------------- Mignolet
Johnson ---------- Toure --- Skrtel ------ Enrique
------------ Hendo/Lucas ---- Pirlo
----------Gerrard ---- Coutinho ------ Suarez
--------------------- Sturridge
If Pirlo did come to Anfield, it would give Rodgers one hell of a selection headache, that's for sure (!)
Author: Jaimie K
According to MilanNews today (and also reported on the official LFC website):
"Big British clubs are working behind the scenes to bring Pirlo to the Premier League.
"Tottenham lead the way, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Man City and Man United also interested"
When asked in March if he would ever consider a move to the Premier League, Pirlo told Corriere dello Sport:
"Never say never. When I get older I might make a choice like Del Piero did. In the past I have been on the verge of transfers abroad and I always thought it would be a positive experience."
Pirlo's current deal expires next summer, which means he's free to sign a pre-contract agreement with another club in January.
It's probably just pie in the sky, but it would be absolutely amazing to have Pirlo at Anfield. The Italian is probably my favourite player in world football, and watching him play is just pure joy.
Pirlo may be 34, but if LFC could snap him up on a free transfer then there's definitely a possibility that FSG would sanction the deal.
Just imagine how inspiring it would be to have a bona-fide world cup legend at the club. I can only see benefits, and with Xabi Alonso reputedly on his way to the MLS, Pirlo would be a superb alternative.
Just look at his impact for Juventus: arrived in 2011, and played an integral role in Serie A giants winning two consecutive Serie A titles.
Team-mate Gianluigi Buffon recently heaped massive praise on Pirlo. He told reporters:
“When Andrea told me he was coming to Juventus, my first thought was “thank goodness”. Then when I saw him play I thought: “There is a God! His footballing skills are out of this world. A player of his quality and his market value, especially on a free transfer, must be the buy of the century"
Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta is also a huge fan, and last year, he told Rai Sport:
“Pirlo has been amazing, I think he is the best signing of my career. How much he is worth? Players like him are priceless.”
If Pirlo signed for LFC it would be another 'buy of the century' IMO, but how would he fit into the team, and how would his presence impact on Gerrard? using the current squad:
---------------------- Mignolet
------------ Toure --- Skrtel ------ Sakho
Johnson ----------------------------------- Enrique
---------------- Gerrard ---- Pirlo
--------------------- Coutinho
------------- Suarez --------- Sturridge
Or, using 4231:
---------------------- Mignolet
Johnson ---------- Toure --- Skrtel ------ Enrique
------------ Hendo/Lucas ---- Pirlo
----------Gerrard ---- Coutinho ------ Suarez
--------------------- Sturridge
If Pirlo did come to Anfield, it would give Rodgers one hell of a selection headache, that's for sure (!)
Author: Jaimie K
Top quality - great addition. But would be better in Jan than the summer - will Juve let him go?
ReplyDeleteThat's the worst idea I've heard in a long time . Loud midfield is easily dominated by athletic and powerful opposing players. When we played Braga a couple of years ago it was as if we didn't have a midfield. Also against Southampton same problem. Every time a runner picks a ball and starts running at us we are hopeless . We need real presence in the middle not a "fairy". He a world class player no doubt but there no way we can accommodate both him and Gerrard. Both are great on the ball but hopeless when a quick athletic midfielder like paulinho is running at them.
ReplyDeletewud be a top signing but how you can repeatedly comment on how its probably a good thing we dont sign alonso due to his age and the lack of mobility he wud bring to our already immobile midfield and then rave bout signing pirlo as the buy of the century is beyond me! very similar players but pirlo is 3 years older and probably less mobile den xabi,
ReplyDeleteDidn't you say that Alonso lacked the mobility that we need in the team Jamie? Yet an older no more mobile Pirlo is the answer?
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely agree. If this is the BIG NAME that Grobbelaar was talking about...let's pass. We already have an aging legend in SG. Why do we want two? This isn't a Sylvester Stallone action movie where relics can fake physical superiority on camera tricks and star power. It's the BPL and mid-fielders need the energy to run all game...Pirlo would be a titantic blunder...please, please let this be a bad dream.
ReplyDeleteFabulous player, but not worth signing. You've got to account for his wage, the time it would take him to adapt, how motivated he'd be (if things were going to shit, would he care enough to turn it around? His legend status is secured) and how he'd compliment our squad.
ReplyDeleteI think if we're bringing in any more central midfield players, to play at the base of the midfield (like Gerrard & Lucas) they have to be more mobile. I'm against bringing back Alonso for the same reason but that would arguably a more sensible signing.
Chelsea could accommodate him. Arsenal possibly. City could if they really wanted to (Pirlo deep, Yaya and Fernandinho in front). I think he'd be a smart buy for Real. Should stay with Juve though and I think he ultimately will.
Yes, this is a scenario where Pirlo switching to the PL would be good. Chelski could pick him up and perhaps that would make Mata easier to get...then we could have Mata and Chelski could have Pirlo...good idea.
ReplyDeleteGlad you said it, thought it was gonna have to be me :-D
ReplyDeleteThis would be a huge gamble, but it could be an other Gary Mc! He would bring a load of experience and a winning mentality, something we can surely use. Maybe he could even bring out the best out of Borini...
ReplyDeleteSorry but Pirlo and Gerrard don't match up well. You need someone to carry the water behind Pirlo. Gerrard is out Pirlo currently.
ReplyDeleteSG would have to make way for Pirlo in our lineup.
Love to watch him play - def one of my favorites.
meant to say our not out in third sentence.
ReplyDeleteChelsea will get Pirlo, we'll got for Mata and then Tottenham will get him.
ReplyDeleteI can see Mata going to Atletico, personally.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XWSmszkceo the music in this pirlo compilation totally encapsulates him on the field.
ReplyDeleteWhat a load of crap! Ronald McfuckingDonald is a big name, may as well write about him. Article tells us nowt.
ReplyDeletewe do not a player who will need to be replaced in 6-18 months, we need long term solutions.
ReplyDeleteJAIMIE, I can not believe you made an article about Suarez disobeying LFC orders regarding taking kids to the pitch when there is a much bigger issue there, more basic- he disobeyed laws of nature. Few days old baby should not be exposed to that amount of stress-psychical and emotional. He wanted to suck up our a77es, or he just thinks this will be a great memory for his son- irrelevant, his wife should slap him in the face for that, and social worker should have payed him a visit.
ReplyDeleteSorry if you did mention this side of the problem, but I dont think you did...
Javier Pastore.
ReplyDeleteThe most likely name i'd say.Not playing regularly at PSG, they probably want someone else in and Liverpool being in another league and not champions League rivals, would make a sale to Liverpool acceptable to them. Would be a good addition too.
ReplyDeleteWould be a good buy depending on several factors; if he does not cost too much (unlikely) if his wages aren't too high (unlikely), if he signs in addition to a young, powerful dominant central or defensive midfielder(s) (more of a priority. If this was American football or something we could do a rolling substitution, bring him on to take free kicks, but as it is, a luxury signing we don't, in my view, have the luxury to make.
ReplyDeleteJesus where will the number go :-)
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't Mata if it meant he replaces Coutinho in the side a front three of Suarez and Sturrigde with Coutinho in behind them Mata and and Gerrard and Lucus and Moses Johnson Agger Sackho skertel
ReplyDeleteI would love Christiano Ronaldo but would be happy with mata and any other proven attacking and a proven defending midfielder. Can't count on Lucas and SG to play 90 strong minutes and not get dusted by opposition wingers and midfielders. No more Southhampton games!!!!!!
ReplyDeletePrilosec, 34yrs old. We already are too easily gassed by opponents with pace. Spend the money elsewhere and not spend a penny for anyone over 26-27 max!!!!
ReplyDeleteThere is at least one angle showing Suarez getting his right leg stuck behind the defender. It doesn't make it a good penalty call but I don't think it's simulated. If there is contact then it's reasonable that he goes to ground, it just doesn't make it a foul.
ReplyDeleteJaimie I like your blogs but this is ridiculous :D midfield with Pirlo and Gerrard :D Tell me who will do runs there? And who will do defensive work?
ReplyDeleteIF you want to play Pirlo who normally plays deep lying midfielder, you need to have players with great stamina and versatility around him. He's got Pogba and Vidal as CMs next to him in Diamond formation. Gerrard with his pitch walking and no discipline is absolute non-sense in line-up.
his legs wont be able to handle the premier league. i'm all for small, weak players who operate in advanced areas and are mobile enough to cause defences havoc, but mifielders without legs arent going to cut it in the premier league without others carrying them. with gerrard in the team as well this wont work. pirlo is way too old and his wages will be massive. he is exactly the position we dont need. we need a robust defensive mid competition for lucas and a creative attacking mid like pastore or mata, not a deep operating playmaker (gerrard is doing that job really).
ReplyDeleteYou mean the angle that shows Suarez deliberately pushing his right leg into the defender to make it look like a foul?
ReplyDeletei think we had to brave another shock in this match...Toon r picking up form lately
ReplyDeleteour new gary mac :)
ReplyDeleteat the end of the day, the decision will lie with Lukaku! y do u want to be at a club that promises u first team football, just to send u out on loan on the very last minute of transfer deadline? he needs to consider his options, and to go to a big club like Pool, who is on the rise again, he cannot do better! u've got Sturridge to testify of that fact!!
ReplyDeleteGo stare in the mirror and see can ya spot the dope
ReplyDeleteWhat a load of rubbish
ReplyDeleteHe says a great name or a big name is coming to Liverpool. They might just be visiting and they might not necessarily be a footballer. I think it might be Theresa May . But with Brucie's imagination the sky is the limit
ReplyDelete...Where he had one of his most successful seasons (in terms of goals etc) under RB
ReplyDeleteHe probably would make it immobile, but he's one of my favourite players, so I don't care :-)
ReplyDeleteNot for me, too old and will take time to settle in the premier league. Would want big wages as well so not as free as it sounds. We need to bring players in who are just before their peak and should hit it at the club or players who are currently at their peak.
ReplyDeleteYes but he was alot younger and more dynamic back then. He hasn't got the legs for that role now,
ReplyDeleteAnd I have o disagree with the Alonso bit.
ReplyDeleteI think because he's been paying in Spain people have written him off due to his age.
Haven a look at this video of him last season, and then tell me if you can name ONE LFC player who you could make a highlight reel of to anywhere near the standard.
Unbelievable range of passing, interceptions, tackling, evading marking players, shooting, controlling... This is Xabi Alonso NOW. I think he's as good as he was back in 08/9
http://youtu.be/hNvQQUgPW0k
JAIMIE, I can not believe you wrote an article about Suarez disobeying LFC orders regarding taking kids to the pitch when there is a much bigger issue there, more basic- he disobeyed laws of nature. Few days old baby should not be exposed to that amount of stress-psychical and emotional. He wanted to suck up our a77es, or he just thinks this will be a great memory for his son- irrelevant, his wife should slap him in the face for that, and social worker should have payed him a visit.
ReplyDeleteSorry if you did mention this side of the problem, but I dont think you did...
Don't mock Igor! Reds legend!
ReplyDeleteOur season is doomed = Aspas injured
ReplyDeleteI think we will buy Drogba in January
ReplyDeleteBad choice eventhough Pirlo is a world class player. Just bring in Alonso, Matic, Hughes, Montoya, Tello and another striker..will be a great january deals .
ReplyDeletemaybe can sell aspas n skrtel in order to raise funds
One player will change our entire midfield.
ReplyDeleteA dream of a player.
KOKE or LARS BENDER!
Lars more realistic as Sami is their manager but we do have good relations with Athletico. Maybe send them Reina when Chelsea recall their keepr. What do you think?
oh i agree with u, i dont think xabi is immobile i was just referring to jamies earlier comments, for me xabi is a no brainer in jan if we cud get him, not just because of his superb quality but our style of play coupled with d fact hes never had pace so age is not a issue wud mean he could play until he was 34 or 35. but for me the january window is best used as a window to spur on the team and give the place a lift rather than get world class players and can you imagine the kick the whole club from players to fans would get wit his return, it would create a wave of optimism we could ride to the top 4 or beyond i think, and from the owners pov it wud be a 3 r 4 million pond investment that would make the club 10 times that wi cl money and brendan would also score major brownie points wi the fans lik rafa did ala robbies return, no downsides to this, time to come home xabi, the key is under the mat ynwa
ReplyDeletejust read the whole of Rodgers attack on young Teixiera it is unprecedented, an act of spite and totally unjust, I wrote about in house politics with this lad and now I know I was spot on, disgraceful utterly disgraceful - his own son never got such a public humiliation. I cant believe it.
ReplyDeleteYou deleted my comment Jamie. It's right what they say about you on other sites. Your of shit you bell end now fuckin ban me dickhead
ReplyDeleteMaradonna.
ReplyDelete