22 May 2015

You're Out: Liverpool to dump 'incredible' €12m star this summer because Rodgers prefers Joe Allen

Earlier this season, Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini confirmed that he is interested in signing Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva, and it now appears that Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is finally willing to part with the injury-prone Brazilian.

According to The Mirror:

* Rodgers is 'willing to listen to offers' as he allegedly believes that Lucas 'is not dynamic enough', and 'prefers Joe Allen' in midfield.

* Rodgers also allegedly feels that €12m-rated Lucas 'offers the Reds little going forward'.

In recent months, Lucas - hailed by Rodgers for his 'incredible' attitude - has made clear his frustration at playing a bit role at Liverpool:

* Oct 2014: He warned: “I want to play. I need to find a solution either at Liverpool or at another club. [if] I don’t find space at Liverpool, I should start to make a move".

* Oct 2014: Lucas confirmed that Napoli tried to sign him over the summer: “There was something with Napoli. Benitez always had great faith in me.”

* Nov 2014: He told Radio Marca: "I must think about leaving as there is no room for me at Liverpool. I am looking around, given I am not playing".

* Dec 2014: Lucas's Agent, Henrique Coelho, told reporters: “Is it possible that Lucas could leave Liverpool in January? Yes, naturally. Lucas really likes Rafa Benitez.”

If Liverpool are letting Lucas go, then it represents a great opportunity for Inter to seal a deal. The Italian club is definitely interested, and Mancini confirmed this in December, when he told reporters:

"[Lucas Leiva] is a great player, but he belongs to Liverpool and it's going to be hard to get him. He would be useful, though, as he can help us, and help our younger players grow."

Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson wants Lucas to stay, though, and in a recent column for the Liverpool Echo, he noted:

"He [Lucas] is solid if unspectacular, but most teams need a player like that, even the top ones. There’s surely no chance Liverpool will let him go".

When all is said and done, this season proves that Liverpool's current set of players is not good enough to mount a sustained challenge for the title and Champions League, which is something that needs to be fixed this summer.

Upgrades are needed in all areas of the team, and with Lucas's increased susceptibility to injury, it makes sense to let him go. Like Sturridge, he cannot be relied upon to stay fit for long periods of time, and that is an ongoing issue.

That said, I'd rather see Joe Allen leave ahead of Lucas. Lucas may not add much going forward, but he's an excellent defensive midfielder, and Allen isn't in the same league in that department.

Additionally, Lucas is an experienced member of the squad, and once Gerrard is gone, he'll be one of the few remaining Liverpool players with significant experience of playing in the Champions League.

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Author: Jaimie K


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