26 May 2015

Transfer Update: 'Extraordinary' €30m striker happy to sign for Liverpool. Done deal this summer?

In March, The Mirror claimed that Liverpool are 'planning to offer' Manchester City outcast Stevan Jovetic 'a deal in the summer', and it now appears that the Montenegrin is open to the possibility of moving to Anfield.

Jovetic - once hailed by Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard as 'extraordinary' - is allegedly Brendan Rodgers' 'number one forward target', and according to reports over the weekend:

* Man City are 'hoping' to sign Raheem Sterling by offering £30m plus 25-year old Jovetic.

* Jovetic - who cost City €30m - is 'happy' to sign for Liverpool and work with Brendan Rodgers.

Well, that's all fine and dandy, but if Jovetic is genuinely Rodgers' 'number one forward target', then FSG have yet another reason to terminate his contract this summer.

Like Daniel Sturridge, Jovetic is increasingly injury-prone, and it's negligence to even think about signing about striker who is regularly plagued by injury issues. Since his arrival at City:

* 6 injuries in 2 seasons.
* 175 days on the sidelines.
* 35 games missed for City.

Prior to City:

* 7 injuries in 4 seasons (including a dreaded cruciate ligament injury)
* 398 days on the sidelines.
* 62 games missed.

When he has been fit, Jovetic's record is creditable, but not impressive enough to justify Liverpool's interest:

* 11 goals/6 assists in 44 games.
* Goal every 3.8 games.
* Goal/assist every 2.6 games.

Given his injury history, it's clearly a good thing that Liverpool's failed to sign Jovetic during the Rafa Benitez era.



It's concerning that Liverpool are continually linked with players who have atrocious injury histories (i.e. Khedira, Gourcuff, Wilshere, Walcott) and if there is any truth to this particular rumour, then serious questions need to be asked at Anfield about the judgement of those making the transfer decisions.

Author: Jaimie K


187 comments:

  1. Well to be honest he has probably plateauend but that may change

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  2. In fact in the latter half of last season he was the better player.

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  3. Yes we can pray...

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  4. Just enough to get his end of season contract upgrade.

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  5. Sunshine on a rainy day.....

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  6. Tbf I think it's unfair to label khedira and Walcott as players with atrocious injury histories, they suffered terrible injuries last season but are players who were always in and around the team

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  7. ...hey Stan, you mention hype further down below here....


    ...I'm not a coach so maybe I don't see everything others do..so here's me reckoning on Sterling being really good; actually i still really think he is...but I dunno if that's because the rest of the team is very sub-standard - quite possibly.


    ...Anyway, was reading something somewhere and got given a lesson...the person (iforget who) was saying among other things, sterling has picked up bad habits...
    ...apparently he gets the ball and then stops when he sees a defender in front before moving again - acn't say i noticed but the guy went on to say sterling - to get to a much higher level - has to start receiving the ball running and keep momentum; the guy also went on to spout about not being able to finish effectively with either foot etc. etc. etc.


    ...my point being there are different levels of understanding when it comes to who sees what...


    ...with my current revelation anyone even hearing of £30-£40mill, I say we organise a whip round and get him that 24 parcelforce service like you mentioned.....

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  8. Theycallmemrburt12:55 am, May 26, 2015

    Agree entirely.

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  9. agree about khedira.. but with walcott its a never ending saga of injuries

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  10. He coaches I the academy.you thick nob

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  11. Yes I agree, but the point of ' Liverpool are entering the field of wheeler dealers' is not accurate in the Sterling case because he was offered a typical (similar to ibe now) deal for any player of his age and experience. Negotiations are being held now for an improvement to his contract and payment structure as standard.

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  12. Stan Dinaround1:04 am, May 26, 2015

    He has a few noticable issues, always cuting back onto his right foot, trying to take on too many players and never giving the ball up soon enough...He can be quite selfish aswell, they are aside from his couldn't hit a bus shooting... I like Sterling, I do, but he's a kid with a long way to go, and with alot of kids who show a glimmer of something, they get blown all out of proportion, and Brendan has a part to play in all this, it was he who claimed him to be the best young player in Europe a few months ago..... We've got to keep these kids grounded, nothing wrong with a humble attitude and letting your football do all your talking.... I just pray Brendan doesn't do the same thing where young Ibe is concerned....

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  13. ..you know it's a horrible thing to say but I'm gonna do it anyway...


    ..there was once a manager who, almost at the end of the season, blamed a player for getting red carded so he didn't have to take any further responsibility on the pitch for how bad the team were doing.....the manager actually called him out; the situation was that real....


    ..so, my point, if you have a player who is 'injury prone' then you also have a player who 'may or may not' create, fake, sustain, bu**shi* an injury to kind of take pressure off himself as the one and only saviour of the team..


    ...now when you have a club with heaving expectation, passionate fans and a team which is seriously under-performing then that team staying well away from any player with injury 'form' is the bare requirement....


    ...that does not and should not take a rocket scientist let alone a committee.....

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  14. wtf did i just read

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  15. Who are the player and the manager?

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  16. Well he did win the golden ball.

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  17. Stan, Ibe seems to be gifted with a certain mental fortitude that Sterling does not...it is apparent in their gameplay...where one snatches the other appears calm on the ball....
    ...yep, i agree, the amount of times the release is far too late or not happened at all with Sterling is shocking; we can all see it so why its not been addressed only the good lord knows...


    ...as far as praise, bro, its such a fine line...you know I read something about frank lampard today....lampard finished showering in the altogether and turned around to exit when he was confronted by Morinho standing there...there was a silent stand-off for a few seconds before...Lampard asked 'yes gaffer; what is it?'....Morinho replied 'you are the best player in the world'....Lampard was taken aback and went silent for a few seconds before Morinho repeated....'You...., are the best player in the world'.....
    ..."I was walking on air for the rest of the day" said Lampard as he recounted the story...
    ...regardless of the fact that Morinho is an NLP specialist and real lmaster of the psychlogical...
    ..there is an example of praise where it is due, appreciated and also kept in context...for that you need a mature manager, and a level-headed player (Harry rednap, lampard snr - keep his feet on the ground).....

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  18. williamson and carver

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  19. Sterling is quality. I know people are upset at him, but we all saw him last year with Sturridge and Suarez. The kid is 20 with a huge upside. Let's not delude ourselves that any other young player is as good--there is no guarantee that Ibe, Markovic or Ojo are going to be as good.


    Whether Sterling is a "mercenary", a disgrace, etc is another argument, but to suddenly say he's easily replacable like many fans are is being short-sighted.


    And also why are we expecting 30-40M for a crap player? Why are ALL of the the top 4 teams willing to put substantial money on the table? Are Mourinho, Van Gaal, and Wenger idiots?

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  20. Base ment shopping again. I can't wait for the next Joe allen and borini. Almost every player this guy signs is almost certainly expendable 12 months on.

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  21. ...sorry orme it was all over the papaers but I was so pissed with LFC I didn't take the requisite detailed notice - only the essence of the story...

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  22. All top 4 teams are willing to put up quite a bit of money for Sterling. Tells you something.


    The way he's conducted himself is one thing, but we're putting a crossface on reality to suddenly start claiming Sterling is an average player. Kid's got mad potential. He's 20. 20 year olds go through growing pains, especially when they're No 10s/Wingers that are played as wing-backs or strikers.


    Also how confident are you that the team is capable of spending 30M properly?

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  23. ..its not in chinese bro..

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  24. I do feel that Liverpool have tried to keep him on the cheap of course it not cheap to us but in the current football market value they have. This is why I hate hearing ex pros and some media out lets trying to compare his current to deal the everyday football fan which is the no 1 factor why things have go so bitter. If Liverpool gave him £150k it wouldn't bother me at all, just like Jonhson getting £120k.



    I think Sterling is a different case to most 20 year olds that have played for the club. There is only one other 20 year old that has had more responsibility placed on him and that was Owen. I still feel that it is the ambition of the club which is the problem here though as Sterling wont improve if he continues to play in different positions every week.

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  25. its pretty close

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  26. ...yeah, agree about the spending...but we shouldnt be harsh...i hear alot of people are gonna spun* their pensions on ferraris...

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  27. ..use google translate...

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  28. ...use g00gle translate....

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  29. ...use g**gle translate....

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  30. ...sorry mate; I'll use little words next time...;-)

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  31. better phrasing might help

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  32. ..maybe you could give me English lessons...

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  33. ...ps if you didn't understand my post how is it you could answer the question asked by orme...
    ..just sayin'..

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  34. i get the words you have written its just that i fail to see what that story has to do with walcott and his injuries.. i wont say what you said is meaningless but its not relevant to what i said earlier..

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  35. ...ok its all about the premise that players can create situations in their favour...


    ...williamson - red card - doesn't have to be on the pitch to play and take the flack of fans.....
    ...so far so good...?
    ....injury prone/injury issue players - can 'create' injury/get injury/put in 'i'm hurt request' if they don't wanna take the pitch to take the flack of the fans....


    ..simple - I'm saying the further we are from these players the better - it means less chance of unreliability - but my point was its less chance of a player shirking responsibility via injury.....the link is actual - granted slightly tenuous - but there....ok?

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  36. ................

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  37. Disaster waiting to happen.

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  38. PhillyRed YNWA2:25 am, May 26, 2015

    Completely agree! It looks like FSG is going to wait to see how the dust settles. It's the transfer window that scares me tho.

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  39. I agree with your assessment. Someone earlier on suggested that a new manager is tantamount to another transitional tear; don't agree with that when you look at what van Gaal and Pochettino have achieved in their first season at new clubs.

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  40. ...i've seen mafia films where they 'take out' their number one hitman just to keep order in the organisation.....

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  41. ..yeah, lets organise a bus-trip to lourdes....

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  42. ...my neighbourhood had to call the police....

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  43. Looks like it was going to cost the club too much money to let him go. Looks like we will be getting another BRs season of high expectations but poor results.

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  44. There is no guarantee that he is going to be good as well. You have seen the stats. If it was any other player we would have asked them to be replaced with quality.
    I think because he is english and he is 20 he deserves to be sold at 40M.
    Just out of curiosity, how do you believe Liverpool should handle/have handled Stirling situation?

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  45. The thing is the club offered him similar wages to Balo and others. Its him who is refusing to sign the contract, and now he supposedly wants out.

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  46. Just because MU pay Luke Shaw 200K is no reason we should do the same. For God's sake Gerrad is on 180K.

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  47. The as#h0le BR has got no calibre to be Liverpool's manager , but FSG is likely to retain him because he is a yes man for them .

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  48. In principle it should have put a stop to Chelsea and Cities shennanigans but it hasnt worked properly now relaxing it means a big spend up others fall further behind.

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  49. Stan Dinaround3:41 am, May 26, 2015

    I agree with you, for all his current flaws, I recognise the fact that he's only a kid with a long way to go..... As far as the £30m goes.... I think I'll have more luck on the Lottery.....

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  50. Didnt take long before you had Rodgers walking the plank though haaar.

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  51. Stan Dinaround3:44 am, May 26, 2015

    Lamps was already half way there, but the point is a good one... All comes down to a persons mental make up I suppose.. Not saying Sterling has a chip on his shoulder, but his off field issues suggest an attitude problem...

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  52. I think we are getting robbed at 30 million and the desperation for top clubs to get the best English talent should sky rocket his price also the lessening on ffp rules too.

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  53. Jovetic has incredible ability i still remember him tearing us to pieces years ago about 2009 when playing for Fiorentina in the CL.

    Shame about his injuries if he could stay fit would be a great signing.

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  54. We need to make a change PRIOR to the transfer window because otherwise we keep too much deadwood and bring in more mediocrity ensuring another season where we regress.
    Markovic, Lallana, Lambert and Balotelli were terrible and non-impactful signings, compounded by not getting rid of Aspas, Alberto, Coates, Enrique, Allen for better players sort of like seven mediocre out two or three real quality in and supported by our young prospects. Do you really trust Rodgers and Ayre to do a 180 degree change in their talents and results? Yikes, that seems like a long shot to me......

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  55. Aside from injuries, Jovetic is great when fit. I think it's worth the gamble if we get him along with 30 million for Sterling.

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  56. Jovetic as a fourth striker maybe because he has skill. But I see Origi as that guy, perhaps a number three. That said, we need two front line, fast footed, clinical finishing strikers, PERIOD! I love Daniel but he just can't stay healthy and therefore cannot be counted on to anchor our attack unless we play one game per month. Then get a better passing clinical attacking midfield to play off Coutinho. Markovic is a zippy Lallana is a more skillful version of Joe Allen but neither being impactful. If we really want top four and CL then the players I mention just won't get us there.....

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  57. Well if Sterling is hard to replace so it's Rodger, sell and sack both.

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  58. bit like when Stirling was too tired to play for England lol

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  59. some of that 30 mill has to go to QPR

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  60. If we include a player though does 20% of that players value also go to QPR?

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  61. I still dont believe B R can survive this - Fans were giving up last night as news broke he would stay.He failed every single big test and repeated the same mistakes over and over again If you always do what you always did you always get what you always got. I will still get behind B R if he is to stay but FSG are doing this purely for financial reasons and it bodes badly for the future with prices to rise silly every year to pay for Stadium. Br will be given twenty million pounds maximum net spend i e purchases - sales

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  62. If Sterling played for Scotland his value would be halved overnight = Spoke to Argentinians last week - they openly laughed when I said Sterling seen as best young player in Europe - They were adamant he would not make their Under 18 squad pointing out he cant shooot - has one leg - no tricks no ball control and falls if you blow on him

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  63. so you're saying he's a one trick pony pace and nothing else ;)

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  64. Carl Mckintosh6:57 am, May 26, 2015

    The next Aaron Lennon...sell!

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  65. Let him go! Sure he is only 20 years of age, but I think most other players at 20 years of age would have conducted themselves better. Lets not make his youth the excuse for him being money hungry and ignoble.

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  66. So would I. But in the meantime.... :)

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  67. I know mate, I know. It's just........STOKE!!!!

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  68. If we are going to sell it then why not to Man Utd? Mata should be the part of the deal.

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  69. Rodgers out!!!........................he is the problem.

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  70. Liverpool haven't handle it well. All the ex lfc players are behaving like a spurned ex who just can't move on. All the emotion is just not necessary. There's passion then there's being disparaging and carragher, aldridge have easily crossed the line.
    Like superseiyan said you don't get £40 mill for an average player even with an English mark up in price. It was widely acknowledged that he was the highlight if a dull English world cup campaign, above Rooney & Co. In the space of 3 yrs, his development has been rapid. He's no where near the finished product but at the age if 20 even Gerrard was given time to grow and was never asked to carry the club like Sterling has been asked to. Why even Gerrard said it was imperative for lfc to tie Sterling down, now he wants to leave. He sites the club leaking contractual details in the press, which I believe. Attempting to bully him into signing a new contract. It's back fired and the club has lost dignity. Sterling holds no allegiance to Liverpool we should accept this, move on and understand lfc is no longer relevant to the new generation of players. Who quite rightly associate mediocrity with lfc. Does BR'S signings inspire confidence? NO. Don't be surprised if Coutinho starts agitating for a move.

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  71. so Real have had a bad season and the manager is sacked (Bad by their standards) and we have had an atrocious season and our manager is still there... it just goes to show why the one club is succesful and the other is not..

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  72. Thankfully it's just 20% of the actual player, by weight. QPR will just both Jovetic's arms, or maybe one-and-a-bit legs.

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  73. Eduardo Silivio SWAP with Markovic - MAKES GOOD SENSE

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  74. If B R stays = He will only be allowed SWAPS or Spend to buys - Cant blame FSG - I am 90 per cent sure there will be a Director of Football appointed and B R accepts him or leaves

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  75. :) I hear what you're saying regarding Klopp, but I don't see that as a weakness when it comes to motivating his players. It would be an issue if that emotion translated into him crumbling under pressure but his history shows the opposite to be the case. Just look at this season - all the time his team were flirting with relegation, he remained calm and confident, consistent in team selection and steered them to a Europa League place and a cup final.

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  76. NonEventHorizon9:18 am, May 26, 2015

    Swaps!!! When was the last time we were ever involved in a swap deal?

    Spend to buy is a possibility, but why would FSG limit BR's ability to get us back into the top 4? It just doesn't make financial sense considering FSG have the means to back BR

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  77. NonEventHorizon9:20 am, May 26, 2015

    No, just his shooting foot knowing our luck with strikers

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  78. Salvio is out for 7 months with a bad knee injury apparently.

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  79. NonEventHorizon9:25 am, May 26, 2015

    Would rather have Dzecko

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  80. Sell him, the quicker the better. If what we get for him could convince Lacazette we'd be ahead !

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  81. Emmanuel obanor9:28 am, May 26, 2015

    I agree as per sterling being quality. Would just like him to be more consistent. I also believe the squad has been very poor this season... In a better team, with better quality players, he'll do really well...

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  82. DoF appointment has been dismissed. TC stays.

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  83. Look at the brighter side. Madrid are hiring manager who was sacked by Liverpool.

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  84. thexcuriousxwanderer9:35 am, May 26, 2015

    I think Ibe will be better than Sterling. he reads the game better. Sterling has pace, but his timing and running off the shoulders has been terrible (well actually a lot of our team can't break the trap - which is why for a pacy team we are shit.) Also his finishing. I don't rate him as highly as other people do.

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  85. Of course he is Rodgers primary target. He's injured a lot and isn't really a striker. Just like Balotelli

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  86. Take first 5 years of CL out of the equation, add the fact they can and always could have pretty much any player they want, and then tell me they are succesful? Their biggest problem is not letting managers have enough time.

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  87. Thank you for saying he is not really a striker.. So many people oversee that fact..

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  88. Jovetic is another long line for injury prone players we've been linked with. Right up our alley!!!


    Sakho, Lallana, Sturridge, Joe Allen, Lucas, Balotelli all injury prone...do we need anymore?


    Signing Jovetic or Theo Walcott for that matter would make me lose absolute faith in the one responsible for signing them (notice I did not say BR, I honestly do not know who is calling the shots regarding transfers)


    We need to get rid of deadwood, throw away all this sentimental nonsense, look at what Shankly and Paisely did with non-performing players.


    Ship out: Borini, Lambert, Jones, Balotelli, Wisdom, Aspas, Alberto, Enrique, Coates,
    Sell: Sterling to the highest bidder.
    Forget about players like: Pedro etc...is never going to happen
    Scout extensively: Dutch and German leagues.

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  89. We need to sell him before everyone else realises he's only got one leg

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  90. But he can finish and play out wide i remember him taking us to the cleaners years ago.

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  91. Lallana had cracked ribs this season i know he had other injuries he may just be unlucky not so injury prone.

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  92. Lallana is not injury prone. Nor is Balotelli really..

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  93. That's true but it seems he cannot be fit for more than 5-6 games in a row. Was he like this at Southampton as well?

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  94. Maybe not to the extent of Sturridge but compare them to Skrtel and Sterling and they are definitely.

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  95. 70 % Of Mario's absence is due to illnesses which are probably not much of illness at all. And Lallana played every game for S'oton last season. That and very tiring WC were actually the problem.

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  96. His last season at Sth Ham he never missed an EPL game.

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  97. That is also true.

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  98. We should go for Abou Diaby. Unfortunately Hargreaves has retired.

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  99. Thank you and read the article again. A request: you must update & re-publish for everyone to see it, as the curse/history struck this year as well...

    From the article:
    2002: Liverpool finished 2nd - next yr 5th
    2009: Liverpool finished 2nd - next yr 7th
    .
    .
    .
    .
    2014: Liverpool finished 2nd - next yr 6th

    The kicker: "Rodgers must live and die by his signings, and the current squad is now undoubtedly his."

    Great article. Cheers!

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  100. Re Lallana - I think *not* having a pre-season is a very bad thing for a player in terms of their fitness and momentum over the following campaign. Lallana isn't particularly injury prone, so I think we can put his season down to some pretty shitty luck. I hope and expect to see much more from him next season - he really is a beautifully balanced, gifted footballer.

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  101. What will we do with Lovren? If it was up to me I would sell quickly, but there is no way we are going get £20M for him.


    He has been more than poor this season.

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  102. Where did that come from.

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  103. Sturridge has taken quite a few teams to the cleaners but do you want us to rely on two strikers with an injury list a mile long next season rather than one?

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  104. I say rid us of Lovren AND Sakho and let Klopp bring Hummels with him :-)

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  105. Just like Royston Drenthe so many years ago...

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  106. I'm sure it's not. I'm sure he wants to win prizes and medals and wants to develop as a player. I'm sure he'll feel he won't learn much from those around him now that Gerrard is gone and he's right too. But he can move on two years from now as well and until then do anything to pay back this club first. No one expects him to end his career at Anfield but it's not unfair to expect him to keep his mouth shut and work hard to repay the club that gave him his opportunity to shine in the first place.

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  107. Haha! Klopp is taking a 6 months sabbatical apparently.


    I just cannot fathom giving BR more money to spend. I mean this is the guy to spend most of our transfer budget on Aspas and Alberto! And then got a Cissokho on loan and let Sahin go.

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  108. Didn't know that there was a guy called Matthew Phillips.

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  109. I'm very scare if liverpool fc realy serious to sign Jovetic,Falcao and Benteke.High risk to sign long injured players.Do not make a big dream if you don't have big money.Go back and sleeping....

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  110. Nicolas Chamberlain11:05 am, May 26, 2015

    Lallana is nothing like Allen.
    Do you have watch the games?
    Its like day and night...

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  111. I've always said we need to sort out the manager situation before dipping into the transfer market. With the events of the last few days:

    1. Klopp prefers a 6-month holiday
    2. Ancelotti would like 1 year out for an op
    3. Rafa seems a dead cert for the Real Madrid role

    it would seem sure fire upgrades to BR are no longer available!! And if you listen to the rumours being spouted by Sky Sports, BR is now safe in his role.

    For me this is a real down turn in events, but one we may need to accept - even though I dread to think how much further we may fall.

    I was hoping for FSG to act quickly following the end the season, way before the 6-1 humiliation. But their season review is set for June, which is simply crazy - how hard is it review things when most of us fans can list off the things that are not working, and have been calling this out for some time now.

    Delaying the decision will once more lead to delays in player acquisition, and even if FSG are looking to stick with BR, you'd ideally want all your new players in by June, so that we can be ready for the Europa League qualifiers in July.

    Simply another example of mismanagement in adversity.

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  112. I often talk about BR's hyperbole and verbal diarrhoea, but this article really illustrates the point:

    http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/row-zed/brendan-rodgers-quotes-be-quiet-5763659

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  113. So putting to one side all the hysterics and were doomed and putting on my objective hat were are as a club, well actually in a pretty good position.

    The club is damn near enough self sufficient which is great, the stadium at long last is getting the work it has desperately needed for decades under way.

    Commercially we are progressing at a fantastic rate considering that it has been badly neglected for over 20 years.

    As for the footballing side, we do have a very good squad of young players with a few experienced players who with the right coaching, tactics and formation and the addition of a few players in key areas could make a serious push for a top 4 place as well as picking up a couple of cup trophies.

    It is no where near as bad as some people are making out.

    However as I have said, its all down to coaching and personally I do have very little faith that BR is that coach.


    I don't have such an issue with his signing as I believe for the most part they are good players, but it is how he is utilising them that is the problem.

    I have seen reports that FSG are going to insist that BR work with a DOF and if he doesn't like he can resign.

    I am sceptical regarding a DOF but it really does depend on who that person is. If it is somebody with years of experience in the game and is respected world wide, then it could work.

    One thing that people need to realise is that we stop being a major competitor to current top 4 years ago.

    We have been and are today the same as spurs. The only way we can get into the top 4 is if one of the above teams have a bad season and we have a great season.

    In the last 10 years we have finished in the top 4 times. Since 2010 we have only finished once in the top 4 and that was under BR.


    Should BR stay, I personally do not believe he should, yet I do not want him sacked just to be replaced with a panic appointment.


    Chances are if he stays and he will work under a DOF, how that will work who knows. If he does stay then I will support him and I hope he can turn it around for the sake of the club.

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  114. 30 million on its own is generous for an unrefined young winger like Sterling. Adding Jovetic makes it a no-brainer. In fact, I'd offer them Sterling plus 20 million for Aguero, which wouldn't work, but might as well try.

    We still need a top, top, excellent, deadly, reliable finisher, is what I'm saying.

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  115. That's an excellent plan. I'd have Konoplyanka or Lallana in and around them, too.

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  116. I think that with the whole stadium expansion (thanks FSG) and the amount of money being spent, FSG may not be willing to pay £10M in compensation to sack BR.


    Like you said, all the likely candidates seem out of the race although I think we offered it to Klopp he would not say no.


    BR is not a bad manager, but he is learning his trade while at LFC, that to me is unacceptable. He has made mistakes after mistakes. Mistakes that seasoned managers would rectify quickly.


    Plus his approach with players makes me cringe, he needs a Mourinho & Ferguson type of approach. His constant overpraise of mediocrity is sickening to me. All is hear is "courage, character" etc...this is flipping football, not some sort of real life war.


    Bad signings accompanied with poor team selections, tactics and misuse of players have brought this up. I understand we've had several injuries, but so have United. But they bought smart. We didn't.


    I have no choice but give him another chance since he is staying but he and his players need to step up.


    Will gladly eat my words if I can see real progress from himself and the team.

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  117. I agree about needing a striker, but as I have said a number of times, any striker who is currently scoring 20+ goals a season and has done so for a number of years is either already playing for a club in the CL or will be currently on the radar of a CL club, either way we simply can not compete with those clubs.


    What we need is either somebody to come thought the ranks, i.e a Harry Kane, or to at players like Austin or Ings and hope they can raise to the challenge, or find a good young prospect like a Torres.

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  118. From a financial point of view then sure, we are doing well.


    Our squad does have "potential" but that potential needs to be managed well and pushed to the limits to reach new heights.


    Can BR do that? He has showed he can but will he?


    I'm trying so hard to be balanced, but it's hard. What I will say is that BR has spent a lot of money, his own players. He has tripped himself up over and over again, like the comments about Tottenham and spending £100M...the arrogance.


    Would he still employed if he was at City, Chelsea, United? No. Why? Because they have a big club mentality, we do not.

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  119. Where are the Frank de Boer rumors? They should be around this time of the year...

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  120. Sterling wants the pay of a top 28-year-old player in their prime.He can't have it both ways.

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  121. Really good summing up.. I feel I am in the same place.

    Don't think BR is good enough, should not and never have been the manager, but having to accept the situation.

    Also willing to eat my words if there is dramatic improvement.. but can only see further misery and a BR sacking by Xmas.

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  122. You need to have faith in brendan. He is a tactical genuis.Rumour has it he is going to play sturridge at left back and minoglet

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  123. He is a money-grabber whether he admits it or not ;-) We just don't know whether he really is or isn't, but the facts available to us suggest he believes he's worth a bigger wage than he was offered.

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  124. Okay, just seen Chirag Vyas's post...

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  125. I think we're all now in the same boat, in that BR is not good enough, but without an upgrade coming in, its better to stick and hope BR may come good, than to re-start with another new fledgling manager.

    Commercially, we are the 9th richest club but unfortunately are not demonstrating that on the pitch. And as much as people remember the 2nd place last year, we've not been great for some 6 years now.

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  126. I posted a link to a Mirror article extolling the verbal excesses of BR - but for some reason it got deleted.

    Here it is again:

    http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/row-zed/brendan-rodgers-quotes-be-quiet-5763659

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  127. JK - is there some sort of policy that you have adopted which suggests you cannot post a link to another site?

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  128. so its best that he leaves the club then right ?

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  129. You're right. No pre-season is asking for trouble. If it wasn't for bad luck, Lallana wouldn't have no luck at all.

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  130. Same applies to Markovic, too.

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  131. Shhhh they'll hear you.

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  132. I didn't say that.

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  133. Never said i would get him but unlike Balotelli Jovetic is class.

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  134. Paul Pogba's new contract at Juventus nets him 70k a week, as does Coutinho's new contract at Liverpool, according to news reports. I don't see how Sterling is playing better than them.

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  135. Aye me hearties only 1 leg and agent who is a parrot.

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  136. Yes we may be the 9th richest club in regards to income (the important part people forgot to read) but in terms of overall net income we only just made money last financial year - 0.9mil, which was the first time we made money in 7 years.

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  137. To be fair you cant really compare us to those clubs, there are bigger then us.


    Compare us to Spurs sure, and we have seen how many times they have changed manager.. are they better off for it?

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  138. I doubt Hummels will come to Liverpool no matter who manages us.

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  139. You dont have to worry about acquisitions of players they are hot on the trail what you do have to worry about them being able to play.

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  140. Can, Kondogbia, Henderson, lallana Joveta and Couts with either of last two being the false nine sounds like 'smaller' teams won't know what hit them.. Joveta can be a second striker that drops deep too, I would take him in a heartbeat..

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  141. For me, in that team, Henderson goes to the bench... Which is fine. I like the false nine idea. Heck knows we've been using it this season, albeit unintentionally. Yip I'd be happy for Jovetic to sign. Need a good striker, too.

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  142. He won the golden boy award mate. It was more than Rodgers hyping him. On fact he won that award before Rodgers said it.

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  143. Yip one catastrophic injury is a freak occurrence, and both appear to have been rushed back before their body found balance again, hence the constant soft tissue injuries.

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  144. Salvio is hardly as no mark but think he is injured anyway.

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  145. Far longer issues with Walcott. Almost always injured. Every season.

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  146. Benfica is hardly a home for no marks, either.

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  147. "All that will happen is that in a few years we will be back in the same position and you just have to look at Spurs to see that it gets you nowhere."

    But then it is the same as saying in a few years we will be in the exact same position or even worse off if Rodgers is allowed to continue.

    Let's look at some key factors as to why Rodgers is out of his depth

    3 seasons, not one trophy. First time it has happened in half a century. Worst start to a season in half a century. Our worst ever CL display. No clue on what playing style he wants for the club. Constant tinkering with tactics, players out of position, Constant overpraise for young players. Hangs players contracts out to dry in the media. Comments like 'outstanding' 'showed character' etc irrespective if the team is winning, losing or drawing. Cannot attract top players. Arrogant, stubborn and not willing to learn from his mistakes. These are all things that will be difficult to rectify should he still remain at the club.

    Rodgers made it clear he was not willing to have somebody else telling him what to do before taking the job. If a DOF had to be appointed then he unlikely will accept.

    "I am better when I have control. I am not a power freak. But my point is that I need to feel that I can manage the team and have a direct clear line through to the owners. Once that becomes hazy, for me there is a problem. I don't think it was a model the owners were set on, by any means. I think it is one that people have come to them and suggested. They are still learning about the game.

    "One of the items I brought up when I was speaking to the club was that I wouldn't directly work with a director of football. I feel that if you are going to do that as a club you have to do that first. That was my recommendation. If you want to have a sporting director, get him in and then you can pick your manager from there but if you do I won't be the manager."

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  148. NonEventHorizon2:03 pm, May 26, 2015

    Sell Sterling, buy Yarmalenko, squad improved with money left over ... no brainer

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  149. I know you didn't say that but that sounds like the best option for both parties rather than this shambolic narrative continuing to run throughout the summer.

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  150. So Sterling won the Golden boy award; big deal. That doesn't change the fact he's failed to score or create a goal in 71% of LFC's games this season, or that he scored only one goal in the final 15 games of the season.

    Part of the reason he won that award is hype (IMO). It's the same as Messi winning best player of the tournament for last year's world cup; everyone knew he didn't deserve it, but the hype got him over the line. Diego Maradona even felt moved to publicly question Messi's award.

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/argentina/10966073/Lionel-Messi-was-not-World-Cups-best-player-and-won-Golden-Ball-for-marketing-reasons-says-Diego-Maradona.html

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  151. If he sticks to his word and doesn't accept having a DOF then he will resign and the problem of BR as our manager will be solved.


    The issue will then be who to get as a manager.


    Lets be honest here, you can throw around any number of experienced managers names who have all won things, but why would any of them come to Liverpool?


    Fact is as Spurs have found it its very difficult to attract that kind of manager when you are not in the CL every year

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  152. Rodgers most definitely will not get the job at Chelsea and I cannot even think City would be interested. United are more than welcome to him.


    Put him at any top club and after spending what he has and nil success he would already be gone.

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  153. Of course he wouldn't because they are in the position to after the best managers in the world, we are not.


    By contrast look at spurs, a club in a a very similar position to ourselves.


    Look at the last few managers they have hired

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  154. No, but it takes long to go live sometimes up to few hours..

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  155. But we have one of the lowest returns on new managers and have had very little success since the 90's, where has that got us? Clearly sticking with a manager who has spent loads of cash and not won anything in 3 seasons is a good idea?


    We do not know who FSG have spoken to or who their options are when it comes to replacements so best would be to wait and see what the plan of action is.

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  156. Again, we do not know who FSG have spoken to or who their options are.

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  157. Haha, awesome, good man!

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  158. Yep, 69th minute.

    You'd think, being 5 goals down at the half, one would've been brought on then. But no, we had to wait another 25 mins...

    Just can't get my head round BR#s tactics and strategy.

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  159. Heck yeah, I'd be over the moon with £30 million for him this summer!

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  160. If he goes out that means you would have striker in? but then it aint false 9 no more..

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  161. I watch every game. lallana , as I said, has more skills but runs around a lot but impact is negligible........as is Allen's.

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  162. Exactly. And his potential is easily replaced by marko and Ibe.

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  163. A percentage of what we get for Sterling will go to QPR

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  164. For me the best scenario is that he stays and the club signs better players to spearhead the attack, but I suppose this boulder is already halfway down the mountain. Sad to lose a talented young player but his contribution is replaceable.

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  165. RAY made reference to some of his Argentinian friends whose opinion of Sterling was less than glowing. I believe they said he would get into their under 18 side.

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  166. Dunno just popped into my head. Otherwise we could (in theory) just swap Sterling for a couple of players to avoid paying anything to QPR .

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  167. Im sure it would be the value of Sterling ,so if you add a player his value must be included , BUT im sure their are chap's on this forum that would know more than me !

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  168. Did o suggest it did? Just saying those best young player thing started before Rodgers. That is all. Hype may have begun with him but that is something different.

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  169. He is rumoured to e signing for a UAE club

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  170. I'd be more concerned if Maradona supported it

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  171. It's just as well the owners aren't in it for the money then ;-)

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  172. Stan Dinaround5:52 pm, May 26, 2015

    I hope he proves me very wrong....

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  173. Jules Winnfield6:00 pm, May 26, 2015

    Agreed, £30M plus Jovetic for Sterling is good business in my eyes. Sure he's injury prone, but he's a massive upgrade on Borini and when fit is real quality. Coming off the bench or starting 20+ games for Liverpool I'm sure he would contribute massively compared to the likes of Borini. Also the £30M (actually £24M - £22.5M depending on what percentage goes to QPR for Sterling's transfer fee) could then be used to go for a top goalkeeper a defensive midfielder and another striker. Ibe will hopefully come into his own and will prove in a very short time that we won't miss Sterling.

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  174. I agree he will be great and is already for his age

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  175. Did you just say he is "happy" to sign for liverpool? -_-

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  176. You're an idiot, you would be getting him on a free and what's to say if you did get him under Benitez that your club wouldn't have solved his injury problems? Fans of Liverpool, Everton, United, Arsenal, Spurs and Chelsea are all narrow minded.

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  177. We need strength in midfield first and foremost, that kondogbia and Vidal or carvalo. Then Pedro and lacezette to stretch our opposition and maybe that Greek guy in Defence he free total spent about 70 to 80 mil and try to get bout 50 mil in sales

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  178. 11 goals/6 assists in 44 games is far from credible for a striker.

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  179. What about Markavic? The league in Portugal is very ordinary indeed.

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  180. John W Henry, FSG & Liverpool Football Club: Sack Brendan Rodgers!! https://www.change.org/p/john-w-henry-fsg-liverpool-football-club-sack-brendan-rodgers?recruiter=305563237&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=share_twitter_responsive via @Change

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  181. If FSG came out stating their support of BR, you'd say they are just biding their time until a replacement comes along.

    There's really no point in conjecture... one day they could say he's staying, and the next they could change their mind.


    I do believe we'll have an ultimate decision within two weeks of the end of the season.


    Hopefully the sooner the better so we can all move forward.

    Only time will tell.

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  182. take 60M from RM for Sterling ..and sign Paul Pogba ..make him captain on 250k per week ..get rid of Joe Allen, mignolet, lazar, lambert, balotelli, Morena, Lovren and most of all the stupid idiot brendan rodgers

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