Liverpool are currently linked with Borussia Dortmund left-back Marcel Schmelzer, and it appears that the German international is open to a summer transfer to Anfield.
In mid-April, German newspaper According to reports in Bild claimed that:
* Schmelzer is Liverpool's 'top transfer target'
* The Reds are preparing to make a bid at the end of the season.
* The 26-year old will cost around €12m.
When asked on Tuesday about Liverpool's interest, the 26-year old German international told WAZ:
"Of course I look forward to hearing things like that and it's nice when top clubs are interested in you, but I still have a contract with Borussia Dortmund until 2016"
Some info about Schmelzer:
* Spent his entire career at Dortmund.
* 197 apps for Dortmund over the last 6 years.
* Averages 33 appearances per season.
* 4 goals/13 assists in 197 apps.
* Averages a goal/assist every 11.5 games.
* 16 apps for the German national team.
Last year, Dortmund extended Schmelzer's contract until 2017, and after sealing the deal, the club's Sporting Director, Michael Zorc, enthused:
"Marcel is an important component of what is still a young team. He reflects BVB's philosophy to continue the path we're on with the core of this promising and identity-promoting team."
At €12m, Schmelzer is significantly cheaper than Luke Shaw, and defensively, he may be sound, but 13 assists in six years? That's not a great return for a left-back with attacking responsibilities. If LFC want a left back who'll average a goal every 1.5 seasons, the club might as well just keep Aly Cissokho.
If LFC sign Schmelzer, he'll hopefully lay to rest the ghost of Christian Ziege, another German left-back who signed for the club in 2000 during Gerard Houllier's reign. He came with a big reputation, but went on to have a torrid time in defence, made lots of errors, and generally failed to live up to his billing.
Author: Jaimie K
In mid-April, German newspaper According to reports in Bild claimed that:
* Schmelzer is Liverpool's 'top transfer target'
* The Reds are preparing to make a bid at the end of the season.
* The 26-year old will cost around €12m.
When asked on Tuesday about Liverpool's interest, the 26-year old German international told WAZ:
"Of course I look forward to hearing things like that and it's nice when top clubs are interested in you, but I still have a contract with Borussia Dortmund until 2016"
Some info about Schmelzer:
* Spent his entire career at Dortmund.
* 197 apps for Dortmund over the last 6 years.
* Averages 33 appearances per season.
* 4 goals/13 assists in 197 apps.
* Averages a goal/assist every 11.5 games.
* 16 apps for the German national team.
Last year, Dortmund extended Schmelzer's contract until 2017, and after sealing the deal, the club's Sporting Director, Michael Zorc, enthused:
"Marcel is an important component of what is still a young team. He reflects BVB's philosophy to continue the path we're on with the core of this promising and identity-promoting team."
At €12m, Schmelzer is significantly cheaper than Luke Shaw, and defensively, he may be sound, but 13 assists in six years? That's not a great return for a left-back with attacking responsibilities. If LFC want a left back who'll average a goal every 1.5 seasons, the club might as well just keep Aly Cissokho.
If LFC sign Schmelzer, he'll hopefully lay to rest the ghost of Christian Ziege, another German left-back who signed for the club in 2000 during Gerard Houllier's reign. He came with a big reputation, but went on to have a torrid time in defence, made lots of errors, and generally failed to live up to his billing.
Author: Jaimie K
Much better if LFC chasing for Emre Can,Germany star 22year old.
ReplyDeleteNot good enough in my books. This year Flannagan and Johnson have been nowhere next to class(other than providing good defensive duties), almost zilch contribution to attacks, yet Liverpool scoring 95 goals. Imagine this same team with zabaleta and clichy and we would riding a horse.
ReplyDeleteJust add 2 classy proven fullbacks and start imagining the power pace and precision of our attacks. Realistically the addition of Coentrao and Richards on either side would be a good start :)
What is the problem with Kelly ? Hodgson liked him, he should have been banging the door down to get to the world cup - he seems happy to watch and pick up the wages - dr motivator failed there. I genuinely thought he was the best right back in the country.
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of comment was that?!
ReplyDeleteDo you know how long Kelly has been injured for? He has been getting career threatening injuries since he was a kid, and just recovered recently form a major one.
Liverpool were the ones that offered him a long term contract last year. Motivation has nothing to do with natural fitness, the lad has a glass body unfortunately.
Best right back in the country? No chance.
Jamie 04.24
ReplyDeleteAre you in another time zone ? have insomnia ? wet the bed ? up all night laughing at Chelsea replays ?.
Well said mate! The only reason I can think of is Rodgers still doubts his fitness.
ReplyDeleteKelly himself has said he is fit, it is a long time since he came back from injury and he has not been injured since - Hodgson picked him until his injury so he though him the best right back if only at that time. If he is not going to play sell him.
ReplyDelete