A couple of months ago, reports in Italy and Portugal claimed that Sporting Lisbon left-back Marcos Rojo is a summer transfer target for Liverpool. Speculation has slowed over the last few weeks, but recent reports in Spain suggest that the Reds still want Rojo, who responded this weekend to rumours about his future.
In June, Portuguese newspaper Jornal Record claimed that:
* Liverpool are interested in signing Rojo this summer.
* Reds scouts watched Rojo in action last season.
In early July, Spanish newspaper Sport claimed that Liverpool still want £15m-rated Rojo, who performed with distinction during Argentina's recent run to the World Cup final.
When asked on Saturday about interest from Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United, Rojo told Argentine radio station RNA Futbol:
"We still do not know what my future will be. For now I intend to return to Sporting on the 30th [of July], and then we'll see. It is a matter for the club and my representatives. I'm cool."
Rojo's agent, Carlos Goncalves, added:
"The best players are usually involved in the World Cup. When someone shines on a stage like that it is natural to attract attention. Fortunately things are going well for him."
Some info about Rojo:
* Current contract expires in 2016,
* €30m release clause in his contract.
* Main position is left-back, but he can also play as a central defender.
* Has played as a centre-back quite a few times for Lisbon this season.
* 25 appearances for the Argentina national team.
Rojo's reputation seems to be growing, but there are some major issues to consider:
* Like Daniel Sturridge, Rojo appears to be injury prone, and since 2011, he's suffered seven separate injuries, including two knee problems.
* With five red cards and seven suspensions in the last two seasons, Rojo also appears to be a bit of a hothead on the field.
* As a result of injuries and suspension, Rojo has made only 46 appearances in the last two years, averaging a paltry 23 games a season.
* Injuries and disciplinary problems also curtailed Rojo's time at Spartak Moscow, where he made just 17 appearances during the 2011-12 season.
Being charitable, it's possible the indiscipline is a result of youthful exuberance, but in my view, Liverpool should not take the risk. Granted, Rojo has had a good World Cup, but that doesn't change the fact he spends more time on the sidelines injured or suspended that actually playing.
Left-back is still a major issue for Liverpool. The proposed deal for Alberto Moreno still seems to be a non-starter at the moment, and back-up options like Ryan Bertrand hardly inspire confidence. That said, at this stage, I'd take Bertrand over Rojo; the Argentine may have greater potential, but Bertrand carries significantly lower risk.
Author: Jaimie K
In June, Portuguese newspaper Jornal Record claimed that:
* Liverpool are interested in signing Rojo this summer.
* Reds scouts watched Rojo in action last season.
In early July, Spanish newspaper Sport claimed that Liverpool still want £15m-rated Rojo, who performed with distinction during Argentina's recent run to the World Cup final.
When asked on Saturday about interest from Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United, Rojo told Argentine radio station RNA Futbol:
"We still do not know what my future will be. For now I intend to return to Sporting on the 30th [of July], and then we'll see. It is a matter for the club and my representatives. I'm cool."
Rojo's agent, Carlos Goncalves, added:
"The best players are usually involved in the World Cup. When someone shines on a stage like that it is natural to attract attention. Fortunately things are going well for him."
Some info about Rojo:
* Current contract expires in 2016,
* €30m release clause in his contract.
* Main position is left-back, but he can also play as a central defender.
* Has played as a centre-back quite a few times for Lisbon this season.
* 25 appearances for the Argentina national team.
Rojo's reputation seems to be growing, but there are some major issues to consider:
* Like Daniel Sturridge, Rojo appears to be injury prone, and since 2011, he's suffered seven separate injuries, including two knee problems.
* With five red cards and seven suspensions in the last two seasons, Rojo also appears to be a bit of a hothead on the field.
* As a result of injuries and suspension, Rojo has made only 46 appearances in the last two years, averaging a paltry 23 games a season.
* Injuries and disciplinary problems also curtailed Rojo's time at Spartak Moscow, where he made just 17 appearances during the 2011-12 season.
Being charitable, it's possible the indiscipline is a result of youthful exuberance, but in my view, Liverpool should not take the risk. Granted, Rojo has had a good World Cup, but that doesn't change the fact he spends more time on the sidelines injured or suspended that actually playing.
Left-back is still a major issue for Liverpool. The proposed deal for Alberto Moreno still seems to be a non-starter at the moment, and back-up options like Ryan Bertrand hardly inspire confidence. That said, at this stage, I'd take Bertrand over Rojo; the Argentine may have greater potential, but Bertrand carries significantly lower risk.
Author: Jaimie K
I agree that Rojo is a high risk signing, especially at the figures being thrown around for him, he did have a good world cup in fairness. Bertrand is by far the safer option and cheapest but Chelsea will probably hold us to ransom. Swansea's young LB Ben Davies looks set to sign for Spurs, Cole signed for Roma and Shaw signed for the Mancs for stupid money so the only viable alternatives are the likes of Ricardo Rodriguez (who would be my first choice) Daley Blind was superb at the world cup and would be a wise move and Jetro Willems the dutch lad from PSV looks a good alternative to. Top quality left backs seem thin on the ground to be honest but we need one hopefully behind the scenes things are progressing on this side of the team.
ReplyDeleteYNWA
Bertrand would be less risk, will not need time to adapt to the EPL and will cost considerably less. Not sure Bertrand is an automatic starter though.
ReplyDeleteBen Smith @BenSmithBBC
Loic Remy will fly to Boston today for medical with #LFC ahead of £8.5m move. Divock Origi has also agreed to join Liverpool
I'd rather try Firmino. Excellent last season and will cost a lot less
ReplyDeleteI am not a huge fan of Bertrand. I have seen him play for both Chelsea and Aston Villa and he has looked very, very average. But, then again, I thought the same with Sturridge. At least, now we have three experienced strikers and one for the future. Our main concern now is the left back. My dream would be Rodriguez but I think Moreno or Bertrand will sign.
ReplyDeleteThe thing with Ricardo Rodriguez is that other teams are also interested but he is yet to move and no clubs seem to have made any bids either. Maybe Wolfsburg are valuing him at too much? They apparently are offering him a new deal anyway.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure about other teams interested. Arsenal and Man City have two left backs, Chelsea signed Luis, Man Utd signed Shaw, Madrid have two, Barca have two, Bayern have Alaba , Juve do not play with an out and out left back and even Atletico signed Siquira. The only team I could see competing against us would be Dortmund and maybe Man Utd. We have the money( supposedly). Let's try to at least test Wolfsburg's patience and resolve. We were prepared to pay close to 20 mil for Moreno. Add 5 mil to that and bid for ROdriguez who is the complete left back. We are in CL whereas Wolfsburg are not. He would want to come to us as we are an upgrade. At least trying will show ambition and intent from the much criticised board of Liverpool.
ReplyDeleteWhat I meant with interested was inquiring his availability and price and then walking away.
ReplyDeleteOne can only assume that Wolfsburg have had many approaches from clubs for Rodriguez.
OK. Fair enough. The other alternative would be Daley Blind who is also a quality player and a brilliant defender. The other option could be to keep faith with Enrique and develop Brad Smith.
ReplyDeleteI think that we have to wait and see. He has had an entire year to recover and now is make or break. People do not like him but I feel that he has quality. Our medical staff is one of the best. Lets hope he makes it. I would also contemplate Johnson at LB as he seems to perform better over there.
ReplyDeleteI'm quite relaxed about these kinds of speculation.
ReplyDeleteThe one that concerns me and I DON'T WANT AT LIVERPOOL IS JAMES MILNER he's so average that it's painful to watch him.
One word, options, we need as many of those as is feasibly financially possible.
ReplyDeleteWhat happend to Spurs???
ReplyDeleteI'm a Barca fan but I'd love Isco at Anfield. He literally oozes class.
ReplyDeleteLike, literally.
I think it might be a thyroid problem or something.
Believe it or not i was a Lallana fan myself and a while back i thought he would have been a risk worth taking at 10 million.
ReplyDeleteBut money talks and at the same price he is no where near the value Isco is the way i see it Coutinhos place is at risk with this arrival.
It would be bad business to lose him ( Coutinho) for Lallana so theres something to think about.
Another U tube scout.
ReplyDeleteLfc needs world class players and ISCO is one of them.Bring him on BR
ReplyDeleteHe might be a great player, but we need him for more than 2/3 of a season...pass.
ReplyDeleteI am sure BR doesn't rate RR that much & Ayre doesn't see the transfer market that simple. 20mn for Moreno is almost a risky as Carroll - a boy grown up entirely in the Spanish comfort league. He might be skillful but not so sure how much pondering he can take at EPL. 23mn for RR is any time better than Moreno for even 18mn, but I don't think BR thinks that way.
ReplyDeleteInstead of wasting 9mn on Bertrand, i would love to give chances to Jack Robinson & Brad Smith.
I don't know what BR is doing for defense, particularly LB. Unless he has something in sleeve, it's getting late. Every top team in EPL (actually in Europe) is well stocked in LB area therefore it shouldn't be that difficult an acquire but we have been lingering with Moreno for too long. Rojo, Rodriguez, Blind, Moreno - anyone could be a good acquire, even we could have signed Cole for a couple of years. However, if his secret plan is Bertrand, then I 'll like to see Robinson & Smith given the chance rather than wasting 8-9mn.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, is it remotely true that Hummels is going to Salford for 16mn? If true, it 'll be the robbery of the century.
Very AVERAGE .. I'd rather stick with Enrique ..
ReplyDeleteDream on, Gerrard will walk into the team for the next few seasons; might not last 90 minutes every week ..
ReplyDeleteI'd rather stick with Captain Injury too, but...
ReplyDeleteA better player than Bertrand surely?! Rojo would be my preference anyway.
ReplyDeleteI agree the best chice would be Rodriguez. But if Agger is determined to leave for regular football, Rojo would be a good option as LB and also CB cover
ReplyDeleteIsco is quality but I'd rather LFC concentrate on signing a LB or another DM first. If the rumours are true that the Lovren bid has been accepted, we should focus on getting a quality LB and DM. Rodriguez had a good world cup and could be worth a shot. Same with Lars Bender from Leverkuesen.
ReplyDeleteSO MUCH TALKING AND VERY LITTLE A C T I O N. PLEASE LET US TAKE PLAYERS TO TAKE US TO THE FINAL OF THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
ReplyDeleteCan Remy play alongside Sturidge or Lambert?
ReplyDeleteWill be very interesting to see how the Lovren situation plays out, assuming reports of Chelsea's attempt to hijack are accurate.
ReplyDeleteWhere's your head now, Lovren? Guess we'll find out this week.
I thought Rojo had a brilliant world cup. We've missed the boat on Davies which is ridiculous considering his obvious talent but what are you gonna do. Jetro Willems, no footballing brain. Rojo may be a bit rough at times but he's got great positioning too. Good choice if you ask me.
ReplyDeleteYes, it was a bit worrying how he threatened to strike, if that wasn't media BS that is. He has stated clearly that he wanted to come to us, if he talks to Chelsea then he just wants out of a disintegrating Saints team, which isn't the same
ReplyDeleteTime for him to prove his allegiance to his word
He can play as a wide forward and he could play in a two with Lambert but I would think they Sturridge and Remy are a touch too similar to play alongside each other. Both left footed too?
ReplyDeleteI realize this isn't an answer to your question, but...
ReplyDeleteRemy £11m now apparently (as per Sky Sports). Still not a bad price, but...
Yes, I THINK THEY ARE. I didn't see many Newcastle games last season so I rely on other people opinion about him, he is good right?
ReplyDeleteCan't tell- watched him only couple of times.. What do you think of him?
ReplyDeleteMore I think about it more I am convinced we need a very good DM, and no more attacking options. We have enough as mentioned above(and below), plus Suso, Ibe..
ReplyDeleteDamn, that sounds good..
ReplyDeleteYeah he is good especially for the price. Fast, quite direct but can be effective at other things but less so than Sturridge (holding the ball up etc). He like playing on the shoulder mainly but is intelligent enough to float around to find space.
ReplyDeleteBuy him not loan him, he is a talent and at one point a target that could replace Steven Gerrard when he retires from football entirely
ReplyDeleteWhy on earth was BORINI ALLOWED TO GO TO U S A = ?? B R needs to lay it on the line to him - SORRY BUT YOU DONT CUT IT -BYE
ReplyDeleteWorth every penny! His control of the ball is great and he's very calm in that penalty box. It will be a quality signing if this is true.
ReplyDeleteKolo Toure could be off to Trabzonspor. Agger also came out and said he is going to consider his future. Lucas continues to be linked with Napoli. Borini just needs to agree terms with Sunderland. Departures are picking up now.
ReplyDeleteLets not compare Isco with Lallana. Lallana is overrated Brit crap, which istantly drives up his price, and should have never been bought, much less paying 25M for ridiculously average quality.
ReplyDeleteNobody needs what allen or Henderson does. Can is leagues better than both of them. More average british talent being hailed as world class (and yes I know allen is welsh...)
ReplyDeletePaying 25m for Lallana or 20M for Marko or 15M for Allen... or 18M for Sahko... or 11M for borini.. is not moneyball. and FYI.. Boston DOES NOT play money ball, hence the fact that they have the 2nd highest payroll in baseball. They use sabermetrics... for moneyball.. see Oakland A's. People should stop throwing that term around so loosely.....
ReplyDeleteReply to your new post which hasn't been approved yet.
ReplyDeleteFair dos that Henderson isn't world class but the piano quote of Shankleys always comes top mind there and on his day he is very very capable. We have all seen him make passes Gerard would pat himself on the back for. He doesn't do it enough but perhaps maturity will help that. Cout on his day is much better but those days are not often enough. We need consistent performers and Henderson is one. In fact in our team right now I would think Henderson is a better piece of the puzzle than Mata would be just as Mata lacks work rate (that is why Mourinho wanted rid).
All that is a side issue though. Despite what you think I did get your point about us not attracting top talent, in fact I have mentioned a ouple of times in my posts, but so what? Is that the whole point, just to complain about that? Players younger than me (30) from different countries don't care about our history. If they were watching teams in England they would have been Watching the United, Arsenal and even Chelsea. I am not saying we are like Villa or anything it's just that doesn't cut much mustard and all the whining in the world won't change it. My point to you has been to accept the current reality and move on. Enjoy it for what it is. Oh and by the way look at all the teams of the year that have been compiled from last year and Lallana was on it. Think about that and the players he was up against. People who (evidently) watched more of Soto last year than you have seen what he is capable of. Mate I want Reus and all those type of players but are 22-25 year olds going to care what we did before they were born?
We sold Suarez, he wanted to go and like I said he wanted to go to Arsenal. He is gone now so you just have to accept it. The players we can attract are going to be the players we can attract, the players that come in are the players that come in. Just get with reality and enjoy what you can. If you can't enjoy it then maybe you should be looking elsewhere for a past time.
Signed for goals rather than assists. Look at Lambert's assists.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you mate fully. The only thing that niggles as I said is that factor of getting those mids and new signings getting those goals and assists. I am actually excited about the new season but that worry is always in the background. It's there every preseason.
ReplyDeleteWales is a part of Britain. I never said Hendo nor Allen were world class but they are effective (Hednerson especially) at what they do and what they do is very necessary in a team. Henderson has more to his game than anti brits give him credit for but every successful team has a player who works so hard it forces everyone else to work harder. People see football all about goals/assists or even technique but there is far more to it than that. Even if we take out good positional sense, work rate, closing down, being available for a pass etc, the mentality of a player and a team is vital. Team spirit was brilliant last year and players like Henderson are the reason why. Unity and hard work are essential.
ReplyDeleteJust read that Gerrard has retired from international duty. That's good since it will keep him healthier and better able to play for us.
ReplyDeleteHemderson isn't a defensive MF and no way will we be leaving Can out. We will concede too many goals. The team needs balance. I also think Lovren and Sakho willbe the future of our DF partnership. As much as everyone has it in for Johnson he will start ahead of Flanaghan for now. I hope we get one of Ricardo Rodriguez, Blindo or Moreno at LB.
ReplyDelete---------------------Mingolet (New keeper?)
Johnson/Flano----Lovren/Skrtel---Sakho/Agger----New LB/Enrique
---------------Gerrard/Can-----Henderson/Allen/Lucas
Sterling/Griezmann----Isco/Coutinho-----Markovic/Lallana
------------------Sturridge/Remy/Lambert
Still think we'll get Moreno
ReplyDeleteWith Remy only needing to pass his medical, Origi and Lovren also rumored to be close then it will be seven players done and dusted and we are only into week four of the transfer window!
ReplyDeleteMaybe we are leaving the most difficult signing (Moreno) for last...
I'm sorry my one word exclaimed response was not an adequate distillation or reflection of the 'Moneyball' philosophy, as I so dearly wished it was as I wrote it.
ReplyDeleteMay God have mercy on my mortal soul.
I can only hope Billy Beane does not take legal action revoke my internet privileges.
If you read between the lines with what happened with Ben Davies, I think the Moreno deal will go through eventually. We bid £8m and Spurs came in slightly higher all indications were that he would join us over Spurs if the fee was agreed but then we didn't up the bid slightly as required....I think BR has just used Davies as a stalking horse, as soon as it came out the rumblings about Moreno started again so probably worked. Hummel's is not going anywhere..especially not for £16m. Dortmund sporting director confirmed that neither he nor Reus would be sold this window
ReplyDeleteOne thing I like about Rojo is that he is unusually tall for a full-back and it is always very good to get some vertically gifted gents in the squad. It isn't a deal breaker, but a full-back who can attack but has the physical profile of a centre-back is rare.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure this is such good news. It also brings home the fact that we'll probably not get more than one, maybe, two years out of Gerrard at LFC and that we have no one who looks even remotely close to being a player who can lead the team like he does. Not to mention his talent which still outshines anything the likes of Henderson can show.
ReplyDeleteFor once I'd actually fancy us to fend off Chelsea and seal the deal for Lovren. I think the 'head is at Liverpool' comments, our style (which suits him in a way that Chelsea's doesn't) and our Southampton lads should give us the edge.
ReplyDeleteLFC will sign all their targets bar left back. Then pay the asking price for moreno.
ReplyDeleteReally doesn't look like there's another left back out there for us.
We should have gone for Evra - a genius of a left-back and an all-around kind-hearted, honest and genuine human being. The PL will now seem a colder place now that he is gone. Excuse me while I go shed a tear.
ReplyDeleteWe paid £8 million for Coutinho while Silva, Hazard and Ozil cost three times or more. Coutinho is on his way to making it big...
ReplyDeleteHe's looked fantastic during preseason. Always a joy to watch.
ReplyDeleteCoutino and Ibe have been very good.
ReplyDeleteWe were but Luis left
ReplyDeleteMy eyes are already raw from all the rubbing. I might have to move onto wet wipes.
ReplyDeleteBecome a Man City fan then....
ReplyDeleteComparing Pillock Origi to van Basten is like comparing Susan Boyle to Angelina Jolie.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I also never thought that BR was serious regarding Davis; I don't think he is better than what we have now; potentially may be, but we need starters. I believe, Moreno deal is closed between the clubs & player; they are fixing minor issues like payment terms & subsequent sales proceed sharing etc., because despite being the most burning issue, BR has hardly bothered anywhere else for a LB.
ReplyDeleteIt 'll hurt if it happens that last year lots of players rejected LFC for not being in CL but the Salford club gets the best CB in the world, despite not being in Europe; that too for about one third of his expected value (these days David Luiz is paid for arguably 35-50 mn).
The squad has had a significant upgrade. If we complete the signings you mention it will have been a very successful window. We will have pace, industry and technical ability coursing through this team and I'm feeling very optimistic. I don't jump on the "need a big name 40 million pound signing" bandwagon
ReplyDeleteNo chance
ReplyDeletethere is literally no chance of liverpool signing isco. He may as well pack in his career.
ReplyDeleteId rather have suarez than lambert, remy and sturridge. just saying
ReplyDeleteLiverpool havnt signed one player that compensates for losing suarez (combined as well). Sorry but its back to 8th place for us
ReplyDeleteHave you honestly ever watched Can before, seems like another iago aspas to me
ReplyDeleteYh agreed, Thompsons a twat
ReplyDeleteSure they did
ReplyDeleteIsco and Illarramendi would not join liverpool, lets be honest. Why dont we sign shelvy back, hes alright at shooting
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, Isco would never join Liverpool. Secondly, in this parallel universe in which Isco would like to join, I would send Lallana packing back down south. #justsaying
ReplyDeleteHope they sell Allen adds nothing.
ReplyDeleteI agree
ReplyDeleteWe're beginning to assemble a great mid table team. Hopefully Nolan is next
ReplyDeleteLets be honest, they are both very average.
ReplyDeleteMinutes per clear cut chances created: Coutinho a clear leader. I think if he continues to grow and learn he'll be a very important player for us. He can play so many different positions and contributes in all of them. Maybe he's the key in how we deal with losing Suarez. We're all wondering how to fill the gap but it's clear that Coutinho, Henderson, Sterling and Sturridge will all continue to grow as players, contribute more goals and more scoring chances. Maybe not having Suarez will simply give them that space and that chance to be better players.
ReplyDeleteJust like Arsenal played better as a team after Henry left
ReplyDeleteWe can and should land Lovren but we should nuke Bertrand idea and get Ricardo Rodriguez. Don't get Davies either really.......
ReplyDeleteborini is better than lampert/aspas
ReplyDeleteif we managed to have suarez on the pitch for this long period,still we can handle ROJO too.
ReplyDeletefor now the team is only lacking back line that needs atleast 4 signing eg konoplianka,moreno,rojo and lovren,then we wait for january window
ReplyDeleteI see we are linked to a right back too, which is good. BUT ..
ReplyDeleteJavier Manquillo of Atletico Madrid is a young right back, who hardly ever got a game.
Will we EVER learn, particularly after the Luis Alberto debacle?
Serge Aurier looks a much better bet?
Better than Bertrand isn't much of an endorsement I'm afraid ..
ReplyDeleteIsco would be a wonderful signing. We should get him, Mr Grimsdale.
ReplyDeleteL F C wont get the Belgium kis because its taking too long - Orgi will go somewhere else
ReplyDeleteRodgers' plan is to win each game 4 - 3. He can certainly count on the 3 anyway, the 4 might sometimes present a problem.
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right.
ReplyDeleteYes, but he shouldn't have started ahead of Lukaku, should he? Lukaku is three times the player.
ReplyDeleteWell said. Pillock Origi is worth about half a mill. Tops.
ReplyDeleteI would think so too, but the Belgium manager watched them every day training and must of seen something we didn't. Even if he's not as good as Lukaku, he's still better than Borini imo. Even at 19, if I had to pick one of them to start for Liverpool, hands down I'd rather it was Origi.
ReplyDelete