25 Mar 2015

Anfield Alert: €19m attacker who 'dreams' of Liverpool move confirms summer transfer plans

Liverpool have lost on some major signings over the last two years, with FC Dnipro attacker Yehven Konoplyanka one of a long line of high profile transfer fails. Well, with the summer transfer window fast approaching, Konoplyanka is seemingly on the outs at Dnipro, which could be good news for Liverpool.

When asked about his future this week, Konoplyanka told reporters:

"I want to leave. I would like to play for a top club, but have been unable to reach agreement with the president."

Liverpool were heavily linked with the Ukrainian attacker throughout 2014:

Feb 2014: FC Dnipro owner Andriy Ruso blamed Liverpool for failing to tie-up a proposed €19m deal, but suggested that a deal could be done in the summer: "I am a thousand per cent sure that Liverpool will try again in the summer and then we'll let him go. If Liverpool report to us, Yevhen will still go to this club."

Apr 2014: Konplyanka confirmed that he almost joined the Reds, and seemed very enthusiastic about the club. He told reporters: "I talked to Brendan, and talked about the move, but the transfer didn't go through. Liverpool is one of my dreams. I support them, and will keep on supporting them".

Last season, Brendan Rodgers reportedly sent three 'trusted' scouts to watch Konoplyanka in Dnipro's Europa League home victory against Spurs, and after watching that game, Aldo tweeted:

"We really missed out on Konoplyanka. Top player!"

Reds hero Mark Lawrenson didn't share Aldo's enthusiasm, though, and in his column for The Mirror, he observed:

"Even if Brendan had brought in winger Yevhen Konoplyanka from Dnipro, I don’t think he would have got into the side ahead of [Raheem] Sterling, who has improved beyond recognition"

If things go sour with Sterling's contract negotiations, there could be an attacking vacancy at Liverpool, and Konoplyanka is clearly a viable option. Stats over the last three seasons:

* 14-15: 6 goals/5 assists in 27 apps.
* 13-14: 13 goals/9 assists in 36 apps.
* 12-13: 5 goals/7 assist in 32 apps.
* Totals: 24 goals/21 assists in 95 apps.
* Goal/assist every 2.1 games.

Liverpool were last linked with Konoplyanka in January, with the Daily Express claiming:

"Yevhen Konoplyanka has turned down a move to Roma in order to join either Liverpool or Tottenham this summer".

At the time of the report, Konoplyanka confirmed that he 'refused' Roma, and reiterated his desire to play in the Premier League:

"Last time with Liverpool was different. I wanted to go there but the clubs could not agree terms. My goal as a child was to play in England. The leagues are stronger and I still want to try my hand there."

Should Liverpool go back in for Konoplyanka this summer?

Author:


21 comments:

  1. I could take him or leave him at this point, But, if he was tocome, I wouldn't be upset... Maybe Dnipro can take Sterling as a make weight.

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  2. Yarmolenko would be a better option because he is more physical AND has a better goals/ assists rate

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  3. Why would we give Sterling as makeweight if we can get Konoplyanka for free? (Which we can is the summer)

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  4. Yevhen Konoplyanka on a free transfer this summer? It's a no brainer.Yes please.Even if it doesn't work out.Liverpool will have a profitable player to sell or trade.

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  5. Just a giving kinda guy, ask my wife., but really, I think Sterling could do with a season or two in excile, in a war zone... Maybe he'll learn the value of what he has already....

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  6. And he's left footed. We lack a good lefty winger aside from Moreno (if you consider him a winger).


    The big thing here is the price though. Yarmo and Kono are similar quality players (though like you note, their styles are different, with Yarmo having more final product) but Kono is free, while Yarmo is 20M.

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  7. I'd just lime somebody who canactually cross a ball... Does anyone know the stats for completed crossesthis season?
    I bet it's pretty low.

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  8. Just saw we are in for Kovacic for 20M in May... Doubt it's true, but I like the sound of that!!

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  9. Sound like a possibilty. Inter need cash, we need a CM.. But I think we should be aiming alittle higher this window...

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  10. Seems to be a direct replacement to Gerrard's style. He might not have the same influence overall, but he is awesome in any playmaking position. He can play any CM position except DM, loves to drop deep and make late runs to the box. Great dribbling and ball retention too.

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  11. We really could kit out a bit this summer on free transfers if we play our cards right. With sales and usual monies we could really make quite a strong team. We need to get dem goals though.

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  12. i prefer him Dnipro or even Kono on a free to sterling,
    sterling can go to hell with his selfishness,
    liverpool fc can do more better without him.

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  13. please BR let him go

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  14. Konoplyanka on a free seems like s no-brainer to me

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  15. He's a better player than Sterling - more intelligent on and off the pitch.

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  16. no more southcoast geeezers2:00 am, March 26, 2015

    Nooo an nooo agen

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  17. Correct, There are some really good players available this summer on free transfers

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  18. I think there are other areas we need to strengthen before we look at another player who can play wide. There are definite benefits to having a natural left footer on the left but I feel the main reason we are liking this player is because he is free (although can't see that mentioned in the report), and not because he is better than what we have.


    If we get him then fine but it wouldn't be my priority.

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  19. Kono is a freakishly good crosser.

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  20. Yes. Just sign him up! Can't see anything that needs discussion except the details of his contract.

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  21. Agree, and he's no better than Markovic

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