Speculation linking Liverpool with a summer move for Benfica striker Rodrigo Moreno Machado ('Rodrigo') has intensified this week, and according to the Brazilian's Agent, the Reds are definitely interested.
Earlier this week, The Mirror reported:
"Brendan Rodgers is monitoring Rodrigo closely this season and is...plotting a £25million summer move".
When asked specifically LFC's interest today, Rodrigo's father and agent, Adalberto Machado, seemed to confirm the Reds' interest in the player:
"It's normal. Every Benfica player is in a big window. The league is full of high quality players so it's normal for other clubs to show interest. Rodrigo is going through a good moment."
He also added:
"I expect to meet the club at the end of the season. We want the best for the player and for the club, but at the moment Rodrigo is only concentrating on Benfica and winning titles at the end of the season."
Some info about 23-year old Rodrigo:
* Can play anywhere across the front line.
* Current contract expires in 2015.
* 2013: Broke the Spanish U21 team's 22-year old goalscoring record.
* 15 goals in 16 games for Spain's U21 team overall.
* 2013: Helped Spain win the U21 European Championship.
* 2010-11: Spent an unsuccessful year on loan at Bolton, and when asked last week about his time in the Premier League, Rodrigo recalled: "I remember my stay in England with Bolton. The Premier League is tremendously competitive and for me it was a big personal test".
Stats:
* 11-12: 16 goals/3 assists in 38 apps
* 12-13: 11 goals/6 assists in 39 apps
* 13-14: 12 goals/4 assists in 28 apps
* TOTALS: 39 goals/13 assists in 105 apps
* Goal/assist every 2 games.
The Brazilian-born attacker has played the number 10 role for Benfica many times this season, and over the weekend, he told Marca:
"It's been my best season so far in Portugal. I was used to playing up front but Jorge Jesus understood that I might be better suited to a deeper role, supporting a centre-forward, and my understanding of that position is improving"
If Rodgers has a similar role in mind for Rodrigo, then it looks like Coutinho could have some stiff competition next season. Having said that, Rodrigo averages only four assists per season, which is definitely not worth £25m, and he'll have to up his output considerable if he's to seriously challenge Coutinho. Rodrigo's goal record is superior, though, so he has that in his favour.
Author: Jaimie K
Earlier this week, The Mirror reported:
"Brendan Rodgers is monitoring Rodrigo closely this season and is...plotting a £25million summer move".
When asked specifically LFC's interest today, Rodrigo's father and agent, Adalberto Machado, seemed to confirm the Reds' interest in the player:
"It's normal. Every Benfica player is in a big window. The league is full of high quality players so it's normal for other clubs to show interest. Rodrigo is going through a good moment."
He also added:
"I expect to meet the club at the end of the season. We want the best for the player and for the club, but at the moment Rodrigo is only concentrating on Benfica and winning titles at the end of the season."
Some info about 23-year old Rodrigo:
* Can play anywhere across the front line.
* Current contract expires in 2015.
* 2013: Broke the Spanish U21 team's 22-year old goalscoring record.
* 15 goals in 16 games for Spain's U21 team overall.
* 2013: Helped Spain win the U21 European Championship.
* 2010-11: Spent an unsuccessful year on loan at Bolton, and when asked last week about his time in the Premier League, Rodrigo recalled: "I remember my stay in England with Bolton. The Premier League is tremendously competitive and for me it was a big personal test".
Stats:
* 11-12: 16 goals/3 assists in 38 apps
* 12-13: 11 goals/6 assists in 39 apps
* 13-14: 12 goals/4 assists in 28 apps
* TOTALS: 39 goals/13 assists in 105 apps
* Goal/assist every 2 games.
The Brazilian-born attacker has played the number 10 role for Benfica many times this season, and over the weekend, he told Marca:
"It's been my best season so far in Portugal. I was used to playing up front but Jorge Jesus understood that I might be better suited to a deeper role, supporting a centre-forward, and my understanding of that position is improving"
If Rodgers has a similar role in mind for Rodrigo, then it looks like Coutinho could have some stiff competition next season. Having said that, Rodrigo averages only four assists per season, which is definitely not worth £25m, and he'll have to up his output considerable if he's to seriously challenge Coutinho. Rodrigo's goal record is superior, though, so he has that in his favour.
Author: Jaimie K
I have been reading this article all over and there is no where it says LFC is looking at him or negotiating with him. Anybody explain to me please cause am lost on this!
ReplyDeleteAccording to the mail, and squawka, jorge jesus the benfica manager has stated LFC are interested,
ReplyDeleteThat's my point exactly, all of them have a heading stating we have made an offer but when you read the article it only states that "a lot of clubs are and will be interested in a player like Rodrigo".
ReplyDeleteI am just waiting for the rumours of Fernando Torres back to Anfield again :-o
ReplyDeleteDon't forget his father and agent "seemed" to confirm the Red's interest with that general statement about clubs being interested in good players. You cannot get much clearer than that, sounds to me like Liverpool have already signed him up..:-)
ReplyDeleteYou and StevenG seem to ignore the fact that his Agent was specifically asked about LFC's interest. Instead of being facetious, perhaps you should acknowledge that.
ReplyDeleteJeez, why don't you READ the article properly? Rodrigo's agent was specifically asked about Liverpool's interest. He could've denied it, but he didn't. As such, given his comments, it is absolutely fair to surmise that he is confirming the club's interest.
ReplyDeleteand Van Der Vaart
ReplyDeleteTo be absolutely fair it was the manager that was asked about Liverpool's interest and responded with that comment so that probably adds a little more weight to the rumour. That said of course the distinction between agent father manager etc seems blurred these days and they all probably have a financial interest in "flogging 'im", So whether Liverpool is really interested must be open to question for anyone taking a slightly skeptical view of the wonderful wacky world of football as you often do yourself JK. :-)
ReplyDeletedont you doubt it... but I have new liner prepared for the next season..
ReplyDelete