In November, Lazio star Ogenyi Onazi publicly admitted that he'd love to play for Liverpool, and reports this week suggest that the Reds are planning to make a summer bid for the combative defensive midfielder.
According to Italian newspaper Tutto Mercato:
* Liverpool and Spurs are 'direct competitors' for Onazi's signature.
* A bid of £8m will 'seal the deal.
* The Reds are 'closely following' Onazi's progress.
* Brendan Rodgers has reportedly been in contact with Lazio and 'made it clear' that he will 'make a bid' this summer.
Liverpool were linked with Onazi in the lead-up to the January transfer window, and when asked about the possibility of a move to Anfield, Onazi enthused:
"Liverpool? They are a huge team and are attractive to any footballer. I could see myself playing for them. I would jump at the chance to play in the Premier League"
Some info about Onazi:
* 62 apps for Lazio (5 goals/4 assists)
* 18 apps for the Nigeria national team.
* 2013: Helped Nigeria win Africa Cup of Nations
* 2013: played every minute of the knockout phase (incl. the final)
* 2013: Won the Coppa Italia with Lazio.
Despite being (ostensibly) a defensive midfielder, Onazi still managers to score/create goals for Lazio, which is something Lucas and Joe Allen are seemingly incapable of doing.
Whether he'd be able to achieve a similar rate in the Premier League is debatable, but given the defensive nature of Italian football 5 goals and 4 assists for defensive player is an impressive achievement.
Onazi wants to play for LFC, so should the club pursue him this summer?
Author: Jaimie K
According to Italian newspaper Tutto Mercato:
* Liverpool and Spurs are 'direct competitors' for Onazi's signature.
* A bid of £8m will 'seal the deal.
* The Reds are 'closely following' Onazi's progress.
* Brendan Rodgers has reportedly been in contact with Lazio and 'made it clear' that he will 'make a bid' this summer.
Liverpool were linked with Onazi in the lead-up to the January transfer window, and when asked about the possibility of a move to Anfield, Onazi enthused:
"Liverpool? They are a huge team and are attractive to any footballer. I could see myself playing for them. I would jump at the chance to play in the Premier League"
Some info about Onazi:
* 62 apps for Lazio (5 goals/4 assists)
* 18 apps for the Nigeria national team.
* 2013: Helped Nigeria win Africa Cup of Nations
* 2013: played every minute of the knockout phase (incl. the final)
* 2013: Won the Coppa Italia with Lazio.
Despite being (ostensibly) a defensive midfielder, Onazi still managers to score/create goals for Lazio, which is something Lucas and Joe Allen are seemingly incapable of doing.
Whether he'd be able to achieve a similar rate in the Premier League is debatable, but given the defensive nature of Italian football 5 goals and 4 assists for defensive player is an impressive achievement.
Onazi wants to play for LFC, so should the club pursue him this summer?
Author: Jaimie K
I have, for years, underestimated the value of DMs, but recent performances of Fernandinho, Matic, Ramires has again underlined their significance.
ReplyDeleteLucas also to almost the same extent pre injury.
If BR sees something in this player then hopefully he signs him, but we should forget about a bidding war for any player.
Make a fair bid and let the draw of our style of play, our youth development and the glamour of CL nights in Anfield help the player make the right decision.
If the player performs, increase his contract a la Sturridge's rumoured imminent 100% pay increase
im actually nigerian and this guy is very highly rated in my country. has scored a few brilliant goals for the national team at crucial moments, and trust me there is alot f pressure playing for Nigeria, specifically for the great players we had in JJ Okocha, Kanu and Amokachi. Onazi will do well at Liverpool specially because its every African footballers dream to play in the PL and if they have the talent they will put 100% into every game. especially at massive clubs like Liverpool and Chelsea. Essien and Mikel have proved a big success at Chelsea bringing them many trophies.Given his young age he will definately improve and stun the fans with his fierce long range shooting and cleverness. Victor Moses is born in London and hasnt the desire and work rate of the proper African ballers. all up for signing him, will become a world beater if he joined LFC mark my words.
ReplyDeleteWe were linked with him in January? Where? You seem to say that 'we were linked with him last window' about nearly every single player you make an article about on here :p
ReplyDeleteRomulu
ReplyDeleteNot sure I really care how many goals or assists a defensive midfielder has, it's not really his job. I'd prefer to know his pass success rate, key interceptions and tackles.
ReplyDeleteThe article says 'linked with him in the LEAD UP to the January transfer window. Do a google search, and you will find many articles containing these links. Plus, the source is linked in the article. What's the point in being so pedantic? What does this comment add to the discussion?
ReplyDeleteLucas was always a poor man's mascherano and as such is a poor man's Matic etc. This kid is the buzz
ReplyDeleteIn fairness though, Victor Moses is also highly rated in your country
ReplyDeletei agree true mark of DEFENSIVE midfielder.
ReplyDelete