Reports in Spain today claim that Liverpool are considering a summer move for Malaga midfielder Igancio Camacho.
According to Spanish daily newspaper AS:
* Liverpool are 'closely following' Camacho, who plays as a defensive midfielder for Malaga.
* He is available for the around €15m.
Some info about Camacho:
* 23-years old.
* Contract expires in 2017.
* 5 goals/2 assists in 91 apps for Malaga.
* 51 apps for various Spain youth teams.
* Won the Europa League with Malaga in 2010.
* 2013: UEFA European Under-21 Championship winner.
* 2007: Captained Spain's Under-17 team to European Championship glory.
When asked about his future in October 2013, Camacho admitted that his 'expectations are not being met' at Malaga, and insisted that he wants to play at the 'top level'. He told Onda Cero:
"I’m not going to say no [to a January transfer]. The idea was that I’d be an important part of the team this year and I’m not. I try to be happy and that’s what I am in training, but playing in a match is completely different"
Things have changed for Camacho over the last couple of months, though, and since December, he's started 11 games for Malaga, which may give him a more positive outlook on the future.
To be honest, I've never heard of Camacho, but €15m seems a little steep for a non-international who plays for one of La Liga's mid-level teams.
If the Reds are in the market for another defensive midfield, where does that leave Lucas? With Gerrard now playing in a deeper role, the Brazilian's automatic-starter status is already under threat, and the arrival of a challenger in his position would only put further pressure on his place in the team.
I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing. As I've argued in the past, players like Lucas should be squad players for LFC, but until now, Liverpool have neglected to buy anyone of real quality to truly challenge the midfielder's position.
On the subject of Lucas - with the way the team is set-up now, it's hard to see where he fits in. When he returns from injury, who is going to make way for the Brazilian? It won't be Gerrard or Henderson, which leaves Sterling and Coutinho, both of whom play in different positions.
It seems to me that Lucas is set for the same fate as Joe Allen: perennial bench duty, probably as back-up for Gerrard. The team is moving on without him, and it's fair to say that Lucas hasn't been missed.
Author: Jaimie K
According to Spanish daily newspaper AS:
* Liverpool are 'closely following' Camacho, who plays as a defensive midfielder for Malaga.
* He is available for the around €15m.
Some info about Camacho:
* 23-years old.
* Contract expires in 2017.
* 5 goals/2 assists in 91 apps for Malaga.
* 51 apps for various Spain youth teams.
* Won the Europa League with Malaga in 2010.
* 2013: UEFA European Under-21 Championship winner.
* 2007: Captained Spain's Under-17 team to European Championship glory.
When asked about his future in October 2013, Camacho admitted that his 'expectations are not being met' at Malaga, and insisted that he wants to play at the 'top level'. He told Onda Cero:
"I’m not going to say no [to a January transfer]. The idea was that I’d be an important part of the team this year and I’m not. I try to be happy and that’s what I am in training, but playing in a match is completely different"
Things have changed for Camacho over the last couple of months, though, and since December, he's started 11 games for Malaga, which may give him a more positive outlook on the future.
To be honest, I've never heard of Camacho, but €15m seems a little steep for a non-international who plays for one of La Liga's mid-level teams.
If the Reds are in the market for another defensive midfield, where does that leave Lucas? With Gerrard now playing in a deeper role, the Brazilian's automatic-starter status is already under threat, and the arrival of a challenger in his position would only put further pressure on his place in the team.
I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing. As I've argued in the past, players like Lucas should be squad players for LFC, but until now, Liverpool have neglected to buy anyone of real quality to truly challenge the midfielder's position.
On the subject of Lucas - with the way the team is set-up now, it's hard to see where he fits in. When he returns from injury, who is going to make way for the Brazilian? It won't be Gerrard or Henderson, which leaves Sterling and Coutinho, both of whom play in different positions.
It seems to me that Lucas is set for the same fate as Joe Allen: perennial bench duty, probably as back-up for Gerrard. The team is moving on without him, and it's fair to say that Lucas hasn't been missed.
Author: Jaimie K
Yeah, Lucas wasn't missed at all during the first half against Aston Villa was he?
ReplyDeleteHave to see us buying players to believe it .Think FSG will get Rodgers to off load Allen Borini Aspas Alberto assadi Toure first before we really buy someone.
ReplyDeleteWe have much to Small side to be good in Both EPL and champions league next year if we make it.
We Are so lucky our SAS is so good cause its taking away from how bad defence we have .
CAN NOT SEE FSG SPENDING
lucas will be key for us this season we need him back for the games against chelsea n man city coming in for coutinho or sterling the team will be more solid with gerrard hendo n lucas
ReplyDeleteOr against Swansea?
ReplyDeleteLucas is die hard! A true fighter! More so, he is always in contention for a spot in the Brazil national team. The man is good! Are there better players available in his position? I tend to think so. Should we get them? Hell, yes!
ReplyDeleteIf we get CHL footy they will spend. They did when Dalglish asked for it. They will do again. These guys are not dumb! They know they'll need to have a better squad to not dump out early of the CHL and end up in 7th in the EPL
ReplyDeleteAlways seen him as a squad player at best, as its seems we hopefully will get champs lge football next season. I expect us to add a more physical top notch defensive midfielder in the summer who is a mold of Mascherano or Vieira calibre.
ReplyDeleteHopefully this summer, we can start to attract top players and hope FSG will have more faith and confidence in spending the cash, plus keeping our best players for next season will be key.
Why do people keep pointing the finger at FSG? During the summer they were prepared to spend big on mkhitaryan, Costa and willian, the players chose not to come. They were prepared to spend 15mil on konoplyanka in jan but that deal was messed up by Dnipro's chairman. They spent a fortune when Kenny was in charge. I have no doubt at all that if we make champ league this year we will see some major signings in the summer. And tbh if the deadwood at the club (not that I'm saying all the players you listed are deadwood) are cleared out to raise extra funds for the kitty then I have no problem with that whatsoever
ReplyDeleteAgree 100%. Sterling has just got to improve his composure when he is presented with one-on-one opportunity against the goalie. If Sterling is hard working enough and want to improve more, he should stay back at least 1 hour to work on his finishing after the training is done.
ReplyDeleteReminds you of kids saying my father won't buy me this, my father won't buy me that doesn't it (But in actuality they were trying to make ends meet so that future would be bright for the kids). I used to feel that way too but then reality gets to you and you understand. They will too some day.
ReplyDeleteWe have had a one-off season with the ability to have a small squad as we were not in Europe. If we get Champions League football, they will all get games as Gerrard and Henderson will need to be rotated to keep everyone fresh. Gerrard is 33 not 23 and needs to be managed well to prolong his career. I hope he retires from international football after the summer which will help.
ReplyDeleteNext season, hopefully to be involved in the later rounds of all the 3 cup competitions, might/should be extra 15 to 20 or more games, a final somewhere would be nice, so we'll need a real strong squad, all the men we can muster (players/manager/owners) thinking BIG.
ReplyDeleteHaha, giving money to buy Willian, Mkhirtiyan, Costa and Konoplyanka still isn't good enough is it?
ReplyDeleteHow can anybody truly say that Lucas isn't good enough and should ride the bench for LFC. He is a constant starter for BRAZIL! Brazil have ungodly amounts of depth in every position and there is reason he plays regardless of the coach. He gets his job done and better than anyone else.
ReplyDeletethe writer is obsessed with thinking that praise for anyone or anything is a bad thing and ruins everything. my guess is the writer believes that every player should be put up in the stockade and be belittled and have fruit and vegetables thrown at them for not being good enough. and that is the only way anybody will ever will become better.
ReplyDeleteIf Lucas is not missed then i would like to see the stats that back that one up bet they have more goals scored against on average when he doesnt play.
ReplyDeleteI have always said we would win nothing with Lucas in the team, i still stand by that, but the guy does his best as he's not a natural holding midfielder, but i'd rather have him there than Gerrard. I have felt since Mascherano left, we have been lacking in that position, no wonder our back for is always in the firing line. I hope we do buy a quality defensive midfielder in the summer, as i don't feel that Lucas or Gerrard are the guys for the job.
ReplyDeleteLUCAS- His absence is the reason behind lots of goals being conceded. You can hate him but cannot ignore hime
ReplyDeleteYou could say where are they then?
ReplyDeleteThat might be a bit harsh as they have spent previously (not always wisely). But I do wonder if being linked with these players makes them look good whilst their restricted transfer fee and wages policy prevents them from actually being signed.
There's just no hope for some mate
ReplyDeleteI see we're banging the "over-hype" drum again. As I have previously stated, the vast majority of our youngsters are developing nicely so I for one am quite happy for the club to continue with whatever philosophies they have in place for dealing with youngsters. I agree you don't want them to get over-confident and think they've made it after 1 or 2 starts but at the same time you want them to be confident enough to go out and show what they can do. Some players will be full of confidence and itching to get out and show off their skills but others will need reassured that they're good enough to play at this level.
ReplyDeleteAnyway it's not just our young players that are "over hyped" as you put it. Januzai, bentaleb, shaw, Morrison etc. it's just part of the game and the lifestyle and it's up to the player and the people around him to make sure he stays grounded
I don't think they are too restrictive. Cost minimisation is a key concept in business, it makes sense to lower wages whilst not earning the big bucks from the CL. Downing on 80K, Cole on 90K, you can't complain with that.
ReplyDeleteI believe that if Rodgers and his staff can demonstrate a potential transfer target's value, we will look to sign that player regardless of price. Some transfers have worked out and some haven't.
I'm pretty sure Rodgers claimed that Allen would double in value. That will obviously never happen but the value for money from Sturridge and Coutinho is excellent.
Allen and Lucas being fit and ready to play gives us depth and different types of players for different situations. I still rate Lucas and what he does but he has not re-reached the levels he once set. Looking for alternatives is good as we want to step up next season and be even better.
ReplyDeletePeople forget the talent we have out on loan and in youth ranks , wisdom deserves a chance in our team plus suso and Ibe out on loan will add depth to our side if we need it. But on subject of Lucas I don't think he is as gd as used to be I would sell him try bring in Fernando. I also think that a marquee signing should be someone like koke who is consistent top class and cover multi positions. And sell agger who after all his injuries just isn't the same
ReplyDeleteYou should really stop this! Almost every day you come up with a new player lfc is "closely watching", there are so many players you wrote about joining lfc over the years and nobody even heard about them at lfc! I dont know whats your point, but this is not honest at all. Cant fool the visitors like this, they dont deserve it.
ReplyDeleteVery true
ReplyDeleteWith the way Stevie has been improving in the role I think that it would be fair to say that he is now the number one choice in that position.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I want to keep hold of Lucas as a squad player. He is a very good defensive midfielder and has really saved us in some games, quite often not getting the praise he deserves in the process. He can play the cup games and the odd PL game if Stevie is tired.
I was hoping that we'd be going in for someone like Rakitic or M'Vila, to set Stevie free to charge forward again, but those rumours have quietened down recently.
What nonsense!
ReplyDeleteFSG will spend to compete at the right level. They're sports fans, and business men. The old cliché 'speculate to accumulate' is something they've done at Boston and tried to do with us at Liverpool.
Also, Allen, like Lucas, although I'm not their biggest fans, are really important in games where we need to steady the ship or dominate the midfield, and vital to Roger's philosophy of getting the ball back in 6 seconds and re-circulating play. They put more tackles in and win back the ball than anyone else (alongside Sakho) - check the stats. We have no other players like them in midfield. They will still be important squad members. I'd be happy to get a serious upgrade on both of them however, and even Stevie for that defensive job, the De Rossi, Masch, or Matic types, and we'll stand a chance of that with CL footy. Liverpool haven't had a competitive Squad (not just first 11) since 2000-01. They need to be in the squad.
I'll add...I'd like to see Lucas give away less fouls in dangerous areas - I know that the 'nip at the heels' & 'rough 'em up' thing is totally part of his game, but I reckon he can still improve on that.
ReplyDeleteWe need him too, If qualify fo Champions League
ReplyDeleteWhen Lucas returns fully fit I'm certain he will be starting in a 4-3-3. When Lucas plays DM our per game goals conceded would go down by an average of 1. He will resume his role as the DM with Gerrard playing slightly ahead of him as a conservative CM with Hendo's energy levels making him that box-to-box. I could see the next front three would be one of Coutinho/Sterling and then Sturridge and Suarez. One good thing Gerrard has acquired in Lucas' absence is the willingness to play the simpler ball in keeping possession a la Xavi.
ReplyDeleteWow Jack Robinson got sent off for tackling Ibe aha what a small world.
ReplyDeleteIbe looks more developed than what Sterling was at that age however. Sterling has definitely improved his strength and body control beyond compare but Ibe seems to posses a lot of that raw strength and power already. I definitely think he has the potential to be great.
ReplyDeleteSell FSG to Arab/Russian/Malaysian owner with real footall passion. I mean the round not oval ones that's called football coz they use hands/diapers/shoulder pads/helmet - LOL !!!
ReplyDeleteThey were let down. Made a fool .This embarrassment happens one time too many. You want more names ? Clint Dempsey, Gylfi Sigurdsson.... FSG wanted them for free. Read up. So we're that bad no players wants to join right ? FSG made one decision right, n that's employing Brendon Rodgers. Someone who could do a Wenger , take the fall n to make them richer. Very few managers can do this job. Not Ferguson nor Mourinho. These are managers who only work with big names n huge budget.
ReplyDeleteWhat was bought ? It was a show . LOL !!! Arsene Wenger have been doing that for the owner so was Mr Rodgers. They can cause they are the rare good managers with great confidence. Its the only thing i feel FSG had done. Still I believe they could hand in more support in getting players than they have . Smart Alex the Red Nosed Devil cant do what both Wenger n Rodgers can. That's for sure .
ReplyDeletei know many others have issues with lucas, but i said this a long long long time ago that if a player like lucas is considered 1 of our best/need/important players then we will never compete for anything other than leage or fa cup, he offers nothing other than run and kick, which for me is not enough, dont want an extra useless defender on the pitch, no goals, no assit thats a goalkeepers job, but honestly he has never been that good of a midfielder and look at us now, the 1st time in about 3 yrs where he hasnt played regular and look at us now
ReplyDeletei 100% agree with you, why no-one else can see this baffels me. we went from the JM/XA to LL?? who dont forget was the next SG when rafa bought him. the next SG LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL
ReplyDeleteand to those who say we conceeded less when lucas is about, then read the past 15 post or comments which states that most of the goals we conceed are individual errors, even the rodgers said this on live tv, he said you cant train this out of players, but yet many of you still think its cus lucas aint playing why toure and skrtel have made mistakes, come on think, think why its still legal cus if this is what thinking produces then wow smh
ReplyDeletejaimie pls post my last comment or edit it if you think i went to far but point is valid, its nothing to do with lucas why we have let in goals recently, indivdual errors, KToure is own faults, Mings own faults in goal, skrtels multi faults, sahko 1 fault at least, full backs dodgy defending costs us a few goal so come on...think
ReplyDeleteThere is an even better prospect - HARRY WILSON -but I am Welsh and biased
ReplyDeletelucas closes up the gaps making it harder for teams to play through us, yes we might have made individual errors in many games, but with teams finding it difficult to play balls in to the spaces when lucas plays, we find are selves not needing to defend as much hence less individual mistakes. i agree that we should not start lucas in every game but the likes of man city,chelsea and united are games where lucas has to start if he is fit
ReplyDeleteIf you keep missing your preferred targets perhaps that does suggest your policies are too restrictive relative to the market price set by your competitors.
ReplyDeleteTo be fair though none of us really know what caused us to miss out on so many targets we are all just speculating.
I do agree though that we should not just pay out top dollar for players without careful consideration of their potential and our income. I agree also we have had some notable transfer successes and a few equally notable failures.
No, he wasn`t!
ReplyDeletedid liverpool leak as many goals in last 7 games when Lucus in team?
ReplyDeleteNO..... Therefore requirements for bsck up and team need Lucus
LFC must workhard and all out to get Koke from Athletico Madrid for next season.
ReplyDelete