Liverpool's academy is bursting at the seams with promising young players, but the Reds continue to look for new recruits, and the latest name in the frame is long-time Manchester City target Rodney Kongolo, who is dubiously labelled the 'new Patrick Vieira'.
According to The Mirror this week:
* Liverpool are interesting in signing Kongolo this summer.
* In February, the 16-year old's mother (and manager) held a secret meeting with 'Anfield officials' to discuss the possibility of a move.
* Liverpool held talks with Kongolo's Agent in December 2013.
When asked last month about Kongolo's future, Feyenoord Technical director Martin van Geel claimed that no clubs had registered official interest in the youngster. He told Algemeen Dagblad:
"Our youth players are being followed, we are aware of that, but we are not aware of any serious interest in Rodney. He is only 15 years old and no official contact has been made with us regarding his availability."
Since then, Kongolo has rejected three separate contract offers from Feyenoord, which suggests he wants to leave. Equally, it could suggest that he's holding out for more money, which - at the age of 16 - is not really a good sign.
It's no surprise that Feyenoord are trying to tie Kongolo down to a long-term deal. His current deal with the Dutch giants stipulates that he can leave for £500K, and a new contract would ensure he'd leave for a bigger transfer fee.
I personally don't see the point in paying big money for untested, undeveloped 16-year olds, mainly because history shows that players who sign for LFC at that age rarely progress through the ranks into the first team. Bar Raheen Sterling, I can't think of one 15/16 year old player in the entire history of the club who arrived for a fee, and then went on to become a first-team regular.
Author: Jaimie K
According to The Mirror this week:
* Liverpool are interesting in signing Kongolo this summer.
* In February, the 16-year old's mother (and manager) held a secret meeting with 'Anfield officials' to discuss the possibility of a move.
* Liverpool held talks with Kongolo's Agent in December 2013.
When asked last month about Kongolo's future, Feyenoord Technical director Martin van Geel claimed that no clubs had registered official interest in the youngster. He told Algemeen Dagblad:
"Our youth players are being followed, we are aware of that, but we are not aware of any serious interest in Rodney. He is only 15 years old and no official contact has been made with us regarding his availability."
Since then, Kongolo has rejected three separate contract offers from Feyenoord, which suggests he wants to leave. Equally, it could suggest that he's holding out for more money, which - at the age of 16 - is not really a good sign.
It's no surprise that Feyenoord are trying to tie Kongolo down to a long-term deal. His current deal with the Dutch giants stipulates that he can leave for £500K, and a new contract would ensure he'd leave for a bigger transfer fee.
I personally don't see the point in paying big money for untested, undeveloped 16-year olds, mainly because history shows that players who sign for LFC at that age rarely progress through the ranks into the first team. Bar Raheen Sterling, I can't think of one 15/16 year old player in the entire history of the club who arrived for a fee, and then went on to become a first-team regular.
Author: Jaimie K
Raheem sterling signed for 600k and made his debut at 17 ;)
ReplyDeleteMany top clubs have bought in and developed top talents Liverpool are going to do the same for 500k thats fine surely you cant complain about the talent coming out of the academy ATM.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing to say the club wont sell this kid at a profit at some stage ala Shelvey.
Are u high Jamie? Raheem sterling ?? So stupid.. Facepalm
ReplyDeletefowler and redknapp!! wisdom, sterling and ibe fromt eh currest first team squad. Move makes a lot of sense.
ReplyDeleteWith add ons, I believe LFC will end up paying QPR roughly 5 Million quid.
ReplyDeleteIf you do look at the entire history of the club, I guess your point is made. However, if you look at the last 10 years of the club, that might give you a better idea about signing very good young players in their teens. It is really a small outlay in the grand scheme of building up the academy and U-21's. LFC are able to mold these players the LFC way. You are right in that not all players are going to progress to the first team, just like every other club in the entire world. However, if you buy the best young talent with such a small outlay, then you build tough competition in our youth ranks and with more competition, the creme de la creme makes it to the first team. Overall, it keeps salaries down, transfer outlays low and young players hungry.
ReplyDeleteSuso?
ReplyDeleteAlso it's a business so LFC make money selling these players on.
ReplyDelete