After a season filled with individual defensive errors, Liverpool are almost certain to sign another centre-half this summer, and the latest name to enter the transfer fray is Benfica defender Ezequial Garay.
According to Sky Sports, Liverpool and Manchester United are considering an 'approach' for the Argentina international, who is close to entering the final year of his contract with the Portuguese giants.
During Alex Ferguson's reign, Manchester United were constantly linked with a move for Garay, and in October 2013, the Argentinean confirmed that the appointment of David Moyes put the stoppers on an £18m transfer to Old Trafford. He told reporters:
"I believed I was going to join Manchester United in the summer, but the exit of Ferguson has influenced the deal [and] Moyes did not believe in me as much."
Moyes reportedly refused to pay the £18m fee demanded by Benfica, and to be fair, that's understandable. Garay has (arguably) not consistently delivered on his early promise, and after being an unused substitute for Argentina's last three games, he also appears to be falling out of favour on the international front.
Speaking to reporters last week, Rafael Bray, Garay's Agent, suggested that the 27-year old will be in demand this summer. He noted:
"Benfica resisted offers [in January] so a transfer didn't materialise. In the summer he will be entering the final year of his contract with Benfica, so logically there will be news"
Napoli are also reportedly interested in signing Garay, which comes as no surprise considering Rafa Benitez wanted to bring the defender to Anfield in 2007. At the time, The Telegraph reported:
"Liverpool have joined the race to sign Ezequiel Garay. Coach Rafael Benitez will utilise his Spanish contacts to land the Racing Santander centre-back for £10 million in the January transfer window"
Benfica boss Jorge Jesus doesn't want Garay to leave, and when asked about the Argentinean's future last week, he told reporters:
"Garay is very important for us. My desire is for no footballer to leave the club, but it depends on the directors."
Is Garay a viable target for the summer transfer window, or is Steven Caulker - also linked with LFC - a better option?
Author: Jaimie K
According to Sky Sports, Liverpool and Manchester United are considering an 'approach' for the Argentina international, who is close to entering the final year of his contract with the Portuguese giants.
During Alex Ferguson's reign, Manchester United were constantly linked with a move for Garay, and in October 2013, the Argentinean confirmed that the appointment of David Moyes put the stoppers on an £18m transfer to Old Trafford. He told reporters:
"I believed I was going to join Manchester United in the summer, but the exit of Ferguson has influenced the deal [and] Moyes did not believe in me as much."
Moyes reportedly refused to pay the £18m fee demanded by Benfica, and to be fair, that's understandable. Garay has (arguably) not consistently delivered on his early promise, and after being an unused substitute for Argentina's last three games, he also appears to be falling out of favour on the international front.
Speaking to reporters last week, Rafael Bray, Garay's Agent, suggested that the 27-year old will be in demand this summer. He noted:
"Benfica resisted offers [in January] so a transfer didn't materialise. In the summer he will be entering the final year of his contract with Benfica, so logically there will be news"
Napoli are also reportedly interested in signing Garay, which comes as no surprise considering Rafa Benitez wanted to bring the defender to Anfield in 2007. At the time, The Telegraph reported:
"Liverpool have joined the race to sign Ezequiel Garay. Coach Rafael Benitez will utilise his Spanish contacts to land the Racing Santander centre-back for £10 million in the January transfer window"
Benfica boss Jorge Jesus doesn't want Garay to leave, and when asked about the Argentinean's future last week, he told reporters:
"Garay is very important for us. My desire is for no footballer to leave the club, but it depends on the directors."
Is Garay a viable target for the summer transfer window, or is Steven Caulker - also linked with LFC - a better option?
Author: Jaimie K
27? Too old for the Liverpool model!
ReplyDeleteHonestly, have not seen enough of him to know if he would be a good acquisition. But he's one of those players who's been linked with Lpool or other Prem teams for years. Don't think his age is a problem but just don't see it happening.
ReplyDeleteCaulker is the better option. He has PL experience on three separate teams, has played for BR, is young, 6'3", 170 lbs...so he needs some more muscle...and he has shown the moxie to battle and score in the PL. Cardiff may go down so he might be easier to get too.
ReplyDeleteGaray was a great player/prospect until he went to Madrid, and like so many, didn't cut it and hasn’t looked the same ever since. Spurs letting go of Caulker was idiotic even at the time as he was seen as one for the future. If we are to spend of a defender my vote would be him. He's a leader and will come out of this relagation scrap battle ready. He's had his injuries in the past but, being young, there's every chance thats behind him now
ReplyDeleteGood points.
ReplyDeleteCaulker
ReplyDeletedunno what happened to the Stefan De Vrji link. quality commanding centre back with fantastic ball skills including long passes and a great reading of the game. now the first choice Centre back for the Dutch national team and will be at the World Cup. hes only 22 and is the captain of his team. i really wanted us to sign him and Matic as i thought they would be big players who would fit in seemlessly and effectively. Stefan De Vrji would be a quality signing, not a risk. he definately has world class potential.
ReplyDeletewe dont need him..we got enough CD as it is, (unless we sell agger or skrtel) and 18 million can be spent on a better option...
ReplyDeleteLuisao is the CB wed want. Not Garay
ReplyDelete