Despite increased defensive solidity this year, Liverpool are seemingly on the lookout for another central defender, the Rodgers reportedly has eye on Bayer Leverkusen star Kyriakos Papadopolous, who is currently on loan from Schalke.
According to multiple reports this week:
* Liverpool are 'closely monitoring' Papadopolous with a view to a a possible summer transfer.
* Schalke are willing to sell for £7m, which is 63% discount from Papadopolous' last reported transfer value of £19m.
The Reds were heavily linked with £19m-rated Papadopolous in the winter and summer 2013 transfer windows, and during those periods:
* Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo reported that the Reds put in an offer.
* 'Sources' close to the player' claimed that Rodgers is a huge fan, and that Papadopolous was keen to join Liverpool.
* Liverpool legend Jan Molby insisted that Papadopolous 'fits the profile' of the type of player Liverpool 'want to build a team around', and shrugged off worries about the young defender's injury history. He noted: "When I’ve seen him [Papadopolous] in Champions League matches, I’ve been impressed. he’s a talented young player with real potential. He is as strong as a bull, dominant in the air and very good in one-on-one situations".
* Former Monaco CEO Tor-Kristian Karlsen described Kyriakos as 'one of the best center-backs in Europe', and claimed that several Premier League clubs - including LFC - were chasing the youngster. He tweeted: "Liverpool interest is concrete. Has been on the shortlist/highly rated by many European top clubs (including Chelsea, Man City and Man Utd). Nice transfer coup for Liverpool if they manage to land Papadopoulos.
* ESPN football analyst Rafael Honigstein then confirmed Karlsen's contention, claiming: "Liverpool are pretty close to landing Kyriakos Papadopoulos. There’s no fear he will be affected long-term [by the injury]"
Clearly, Liverpool were interested, but in my view, this deal is a total non-starter:
* From November 2012 to October 2013, Papadopolous spent an incredible 322 days on the sidelines with a knee injury.
* Since returning from that setback, he's suffered another SEVEN injuries in in just 18 months (including THREE this season alone) and spent a further 202 days on the sidelines.
* Since his major knee surgery, Papadopolous has suffered two serious recurrences, which suggest his knee is basically kaput.
Why take a massive risk on a central defender - or indeed any player - who is perpetually injured? It makes no sense, and if Rodgers splashes the cash on Papadopolous, it will (arguably) be one of the biggest LFC transfer gambles of the last 15 years.
Avoid.
Author: Jaimie K
According to multiple reports this week:
* Liverpool are 'closely monitoring' Papadopolous with a view to a a possible summer transfer.
* Schalke are willing to sell for £7m, which is 63% discount from Papadopolous' last reported transfer value of £19m.
The Reds were heavily linked with £19m-rated Papadopolous in the winter and summer 2013 transfer windows, and during those periods:
* Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo reported that the Reds put in an offer.
* 'Sources' close to the player' claimed that Rodgers is a huge fan, and that Papadopolous was keen to join Liverpool.
* Liverpool legend Jan Molby insisted that Papadopolous 'fits the profile' of the type of player Liverpool 'want to build a team around', and shrugged off worries about the young defender's injury history. He noted: "When I’ve seen him [Papadopolous] in Champions League matches, I’ve been impressed. he’s a talented young player with real potential. He is as strong as a bull, dominant in the air and very good in one-on-one situations".
* Former Monaco CEO Tor-Kristian Karlsen described Kyriakos as 'one of the best center-backs in Europe', and claimed that several Premier League clubs - including LFC - were chasing the youngster. He tweeted: "Liverpool interest is concrete. Has been on the shortlist/highly rated by many European top clubs (including Chelsea, Man City and Man Utd). Nice transfer coup for Liverpool if they manage to land Papadopoulos.
* ESPN football analyst Rafael Honigstein then confirmed Karlsen's contention, claiming: "Liverpool are pretty close to landing Kyriakos Papadopoulos. There’s no fear he will be affected long-term [by the injury]"
Clearly, Liverpool were interested, but in my view, this deal is a total non-starter:
* From November 2012 to October 2013, Papadopolous spent an incredible 322 days on the sidelines with a knee injury.
* Since returning from that setback, he's suffered another SEVEN injuries in in just 18 months (including THREE this season alone) and spent a further 202 days on the sidelines.
* Since his major knee surgery, Papadopolous has suffered two serious recurrences, which suggest his knee is basically kaput.
Why take a massive risk on a central defender - or indeed any player - who is perpetually injured? It makes no sense, and if Rodgers splashes the cash on Papadopolous, it will (arguably) be one of the biggest LFC transfer gambles of the last 15 years.
Avoid.
Author: Jaimie K
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