In May 2013, Sevilla midfielder Ivan Rakitic revealed his delight at being linked with a summer move to Liverpool FC, and although a deal didn't take place, the Reds are reportedly back in the hunt (along with Chelsea and Man United - and given the Rakitic's current state of mind, January could be the perfect time to prise the Croatian star away from La Liga.
According to multiple sources this week, Liverpool are once again considering a move for Rakitic, and with Steven Gerrard in the twilight of his career, a move for the coveted midfielder seems to makes sense.
Rakitic has a whopping €40m release clause in his contract, and when asked about his future this week, the 25-year old revealed frustration with his current situation. He told Nogomia:
"A football player can never say with certainty that he will remain in his club. Such is the nature of our business. If there is no success, if there are no trophies, frustration grows. Everything has changed".
This doesn't sound like a happy player to me, and Rakitics's latest comments echo his views prior to the summer transfer window, when he told Sportske Novosti:
"The situation at Sevilla is not attractive. The club have asked me to say on. I told them that I want to see what they have done in terms of signings. We will see what happens in the summer."
Rakitic has already hinted in the past that he'd consider a move to Anfield. In an interview with 24 Sata over the summer, he enthused:
"I'm flattered to be linked with a big club like Liverpool, and it fills me with pride. Something is developing, but at the moment there is nothing concrete. My brother, who takes care of my career, is doing everything possible for my future"
Rakitic - who is under contract until 2015 - can play as a deep lying playmaker, attacking midfielder, and if needed, a defensive midfielder, and if Rodgers really is interested in the Croatian, then he'll bring quality and depth to the squad, and provide serious competition for Joe Allen, Jordan Henderson, and even Gerrard himself.
Sevilla have offered Rakitic a new contract, but he doesn't appear to be in any rush to sign it. He told reporters recently:
“A couple of weeks ago I was offered a contract extension. I feel appreciated by everyone at the club, but, I want to wait and focus now on playing football. I will make my decision at the right time".
Rakitic's stats over the last couple of season are pretty impressive:
2012-13: 11 goals/10 assists in 42 apps.
2013-14: 9 goals and 5 assists in 23 apps.
Rakitic is certainly well-regarded at his club. In November, Sevilla defender Daniel Carrico enthused:
"He is a different player with high quality. When you play with Rakitic you know that something good will come out of his feet. He's a leader, our captain, and he helps us a lot.”
Worth a bid?
Author: Jaimie K
According to multiple sources this week, Liverpool are once again considering a move for Rakitic, and with Steven Gerrard in the twilight of his career, a move for the coveted midfielder seems to makes sense.
Rakitic has a whopping €40m release clause in his contract, and when asked about his future this week, the 25-year old revealed frustration with his current situation. He told Nogomia:
"A football player can never say with certainty that he will remain in his club. Such is the nature of our business. If there is no success, if there are no trophies, frustration grows. Everything has changed".
This doesn't sound like a happy player to me, and Rakitics's latest comments echo his views prior to the summer transfer window, when he told Sportske Novosti:
"The situation at Sevilla is not attractive. The club have asked me to say on. I told them that I want to see what they have done in terms of signings. We will see what happens in the summer."
Rakitic has already hinted in the past that he'd consider a move to Anfield. In an interview with 24 Sata over the summer, he enthused:
"I'm flattered to be linked with a big club like Liverpool, and it fills me with pride. Something is developing, but at the moment there is nothing concrete. My brother, who takes care of my career, is doing everything possible for my future"
Rakitic - who is under contract until 2015 - can play as a deep lying playmaker, attacking midfielder, and if needed, a defensive midfielder, and if Rodgers really is interested in the Croatian, then he'll bring quality and depth to the squad, and provide serious competition for Joe Allen, Jordan Henderson, and even Gerrard himself.
Sevilla have offered Rakitic a new contract, but he doesn't appear to be in any rush to sign it. He told reporters recently:
“A couple of weeks ago I was offered a contract extension. I feel appreciated by everyone at the club, but, I want to wait and focus now on playing football. I will make my decision at the right time".
Rakitic's stats over the last couple of season are pretty impressive:
2012-13: 11 goals/10 assists in 42 apps.
2013-14: 9 goals and 5 assists in 23 apps.
Rakitic is certainly well-regarded at his club. In November, Sevilla defender Daniel Carrico enthused:
"He is a different player with high quality. When you play with Rakitic you know that something good will come out of his feet. He's a leader, our captain, and he helps us a lot.”
Worth a bid?
Author: Jaimie K
Friends, advantage? Youll hardly find some of them in modern football, and whats the point to attend press conferences when hell say excastly the same words every single week like I mentioned, its quite boring tbh, I dont think you respect someone if you say hes doing a fantastic job there, over and over again, when maybe hes actually not, rodgers says that even for the 20th team on table, really naive for me, I bet hes going to say same things when we face oldham later, just senseless.
ReplyDeleteSounds to me like he's fit right in here... And would definitely fill a need for us.
ReplyDeleteBut all things equal, I'd rather pay for Mata who is a proven player in the premier league. Just a question of whether he's legitimately available.
It's funny how you changed your tune regarding Allen so quickly. I remember the last time some MF was linked with us(may be Koke), you said that he would be the one who would leave questions marks over Allen's place in the squad. I hope now you see the value that Allen adds to our team.
ReplyDeleteIf we're serious about signing him and he's serious about joining us, here's hoping he puts in a transfer request as there's no way we'll pay £33.3m for him in January and Sevilla won't lower their price as this is a release clause and they only have to negotiate if it's triggered.
ReplyDeleteType of player we need for a top four place, a bit of quality and steel in midfield, still need more than one player though, maybe another creative midfielder/winger plus cover up front. Just hope FSG back the first team in January. YNWA.
ReplyDeleteLooks good. His production stats are just what we need and he's of a good size too. He also captains Sevilla so he has demonstrated leadership ability. He should have a good phyiscal though. He didn't play this last week because of a suspected groin tear that the team now says wasn't a tear after all. Smoke screen to keep his value up?
ReplyDeleteWhy was our very first kit blue? I bet you have the answer to that?
ReplyDeleteHe'll get his shot...right after Skrtel, Sakho, Agger, Toure, Coates, Ilori, Wisdom and Kelly....
ReplyDeleteNot that it's the business of the Liverpool manager to get involved in the affairs of another club though...
ReplyDeletecant say ive seen much of him, but judging by his solid stats this year and track record could be a good option to look at. that price tag seems steep though
ReplyDeletelets sign players that will help us achieve our top4 aim and not players that will join the academy.
ReplyDeleteBBC's Reporting the Mackay has been told to resign or be sacked. Things are looking good for the weekend!
ReplyDeleteWhat a douchebag this Tan guy, Cardiff are not doing badly all things considered, and he's firing his manager - just goes to show Rodgers is on the right side of things here.
Friendships define much of what goes on in football, from relationships between agents and directors of football and playing staff and managers. Power in football is about who you know, who will give you a break, whose back you've scratched, or whose you haven't. Just like anything else.
ReplyDeleteI'm absolutely confident we will beat Chelsea. Man City is another matter and I'm sure they will be champions this year. Hopefully we can sneak a draw against them.
ReplyDeleteCan't see how owning a football club such as Cardiff could ever be profitable. It's surely an ego thing nothing else.
ReplyDeleteexactly. we should test the water. I'm sure Mata wants to move all that remains to be seen is the resolve of Chelsea to keep him.
ReplyDeleteCardiff win Chelsea win Man City ? 6 points hopefully 7.
ReplyDeleteNigel Farage will be pulling his hair out.. More Poles coming over here and stealing the job opportunities from hardworking English youths that aren't getting the opportunities that are their birthright.. This is of course the EUs fault...
ReplyDeleteAny club that gets promoted to the EPL will be smiling all the way to the bank.
ReplyDeleteI would like him to be our 1 signing in Jan. No players out and just Rakitic in.
ReplyDeleteMackay was only wishful that he could get 3 players and he specifically said he would take the lead from the owner and board so i dont see how he has really overstepped the line here. Tan should just settle these things behind closed doors as its only affecting the morale of the club that is doing quite decently for a newly promoted team.
ReplyDeleteyou're joking.....salah looks to be a player we could definitely use....?
ReplyDeleteTrue,he's got good vision and sprays the ball around well.
ReplyDeleteI've been watching every Rakitic video I can find. All I can say is wow. There are so many things to be excited about. Every category I can think of: field vision, close control, first touch, speed, nose for the action and the ball, speed, keeping his shots (foot and head) on net, corner kicks, free kicks, passing accuracy and pace, composure in tight spaces and on the run, PKs...did I say speed? It's all there. I like Salah but I really like this kid. Yes we should bid for him ASAP. Pull out the checkbook and get him. He could solve three problems: box to box mid-fielder, winger and if Sturridge gets hurt he could easily be the second striker. Heck he could be the second striker up front with Sturridge if Suarez leaves.
ReplyDelete