30 Jun 2015

Stunning Deal: 'World-class' £67m goal-machine asks for Liverpool transfer; new offer submitted

In April, reports in Italy claimed that Liverpool put in a €28m summer bid for 'world-class' Napoli star Gonzalo Higuain, and the club still in desperate need of a proven, top-class striker, it appears that the Reds may finally be in with a chance of landing the Argentine goalscorer.

According to SportMediaSet:

* Liverpool have made another offer for Higuain, who is 'eager' for a move to the Premier League.

* Higuain - - described by Andrea Pirlo as a 'lethal' striker - has asked Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis to 'seriously consider' LFC's offer.

* Manchester United, Chelsea and, Arsenal are also interested.

Of all the striker's currently linked with Liverpool, Higuain is arguably best-suited to Liverpool's style of play, and he's the closest in style to Luis Suarez, who played a major part in taking the Reds to the brink of an improbable league title.

The Argentine's stats over the last few years are also pretty formidable:

* Napoli: 53 goals/23 assists in 104 apps (Goal/assist every 1.4 games).

* Real Madrid: 122 goals/56 assists in 264 apps (Goal/assist every 1.4 games).

Anfield legends John Aldridge and John Barnes are massively in favour of signing Higuain. Last season, Barnes told TalkSport:

"Liverpool need someone like Gonzalo Higuain. If you get the ball in the box he can score, he can play outside the box and he’s the kind of player that Liverpool should be going for".

Aldo told the Liverpool Echo:

"I like the look of Gonzalo Higuain. He would be brilliant for us, but would he come? And how much would be cost?"

Higuain is the type of marquee signing Liverpool fans dream of, but I don't buy the Sportmediaset story for a minute:

* Liverpool struggled last season, and have no Champions League incentive to offer.

* Additionally, over the last 5 years, the Reds have qualified for the Champions League on just ONE occasion, which isn't very enticing for the world's elite.

* Higuain has spent two years toiling at Napoli for very little reward (No league titles, for example), and I doubt he'll want to spend the last few years of his career at a club where the chance of winning major trophies is similarly slim.

* Higuain will probably want to go where he has the best chance of winning trophies, and if Chelsea and Arsenal are also interested, then it's hard to make a credible case for why he'd reject London for Liverpool.


There's also the price tag to consider. On Friday, Napoli PR chief Nicolas Lombardo made it clear that Higuain will only be sold for an extortionate figure. He told Radio Kiss Kiss:

"Higuain has a contract clause of €94,736,000 [£67m]. No bids below that figure will be accepted, those who want the player will have to match that valuation"

That pretty much counts out Liverpool, which is probably just as £67m is a ridiculous figure, and Higuain is not (IMO) worth that much.

In May, Brendan Rogers told a pre-match press conference:

"We have to look to improve the squad and it's always great if you can get marquee players to come in and help you. The owners will support that".

Higuain certainly fits the 'marquee' label, but it's doubtful that the owners will 'support' a £67m bid for one player. If, hypothetically, FSG are willing to break the British transfer record for Higuain, is it a deal the Reds should pursue?

Author: Jaimie K


113 comments:

  1. Dream player to have,but that is all it is a dream.Apart from Liverpool being unable to offer champions league games,there is also the hot prospect of having the opportunity to be coached by the best manager football has seen.B.Rodgers,that ought to entice Higuain he should play for Liverpool.

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  2. Given his age, what he would cost in wages and the fact that there is unlikely to be any sell on value this is a transfer Liverpool should stay well clear of this transfer. There are other strikers out there who would give greater value for money than Higuain that the club should be going for. .

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  3. No he's not actually interested in the move, sorry to tell you.

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  4. At 29 years old,bid of 20 million is the maximum bid we can submit,67 million release clause is a joke

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  5. Someone already mentioned O'Driscoll, but...

    O'Driscoll credentials...

    The former Fulham midfielder has managed Bournemouth, Doncaster Rovers, Crawley Town, Nottingham Forest and Bristol City.



    Happy days.

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  6. More likely to see Mario Gomez, Luiz Adriano or Rondon?.

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  7. At his age that fee is pretty ridiculous, whether he's worth that in terms of his ability is another thing.

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  8. Gotta love the media bandwagon, no one even mentioned Rondon and LFC in the same sentance, ever... now every man and his dog are sying he would be a good signing.... Really... Watch many Russian league games then do you?

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  9. Lacazette for 20M... Yeh good luck with that one. No chance of him either. Rondon is more likely but don't think we are particularly interested.

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  10. Put simply never gonna happen in a million years for a million reasons. Nice dream though. I honestly think we are gonna end up with Benteke... There just don't seem to be too many available options out there who fit the profile of what FSG are willing to spend money on.

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  11. original-gideon7:44 am, June 30, 2015

    He's been playing recently on the TV.

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  12. original-gideon7:48 am, June 30, 2015

    Simple answer-No. And I sometimes wonder if most ex Liverpool players have rocks in their head and actually believe what they say. Aldridge, Barnes, Lawrenson and Nicol are amongst the worst offenders when it comes to player assessment.

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  13. Not in this country

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  14. Ghost of Suarez7:55 am, June 30, 2015

    He is 27

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  15. To be fair skysports did say we were watching him and have had initial discussions. Think that's it all it was but do believe there was some interest there even if not followed up.

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  16. Ghost of Suarez8:00 am, June 30, 2015

    He is actually 27 and does not turn 28 until December. Should just be coming into his peak. Still £67m is obviously too high, high but if financed by the massive fee that City are paying for the mercenary then could be the key for us. With him and Sturridge up top we start to look like title contenders again. What say you Jaimie?

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  17. He's 27 isn't he? Proven excellence at the top level though. Napoli bought him from Madrid for about 32 million as I recall, so maybe a bid of around the same would be enough to appease them. Rather try that than offer a similar amount for Benteke.

    What would be really nice is if Ian Ayre could take whatever money we get from young mercenary Ripper Raheem's sale, and use his new ninjas stealth abilities to fly to France, dump a lorry load of cash on Lyon's doorstep and another on lacazette's, and then return back to Liverpool, mission accomplished, before any of us even knew he was there. Yes I said it would be nice, not realistic.

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  18. Di Laurentiis has mentioned Higuain's €100m release clause on a few occasions already and it is highly doubtful LFC will cough up that much but it is worth a try to test the waters and make a reasonable bid starting with the £32.5m we want to pay for Benteke.

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  19. Agree re Higuain. Said the very same thing.

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  20. I'd love to get him at the club, but too many things stand in our way, namely the price, his desire for CL and Napoli's reluctance to sell. First we would have to try and convince Napoli to sell cheaper than the buyout, then we have to convince the owners to spend that much, then we need to convince a player that he should play in a team that hasnt won a european trophy in 10 years, a league title in 25 years and the major domestic cup in 9 years, and also wont be competing for the Champions League this season...
    The price is absurd though, at around £35m I'd be happy for us to go for him, with the Sterling money. Then the other 15 goes to Clyne and we get another 15m from sales for Illara. I'd be right happy with that!

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  21. I know, where did that valuation come from? The kid is one of the most sought after young strikers in the world and is tipped to be huge. If Sterling is going for 50m, Laca is worth just as much at least!

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  22. Lawro is the worst, but you are right, all ex players seem to be really thick during the transfer window

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  23. If FSG want value: Luiz Adriano?
    266 games and 2

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  24. Wouldnt that be a waste of money? It would be waaaaaay better to take the money, contact Lyon and Laca, and negotiate a deal involving the trade of said money for the services and signature of the player, rather than just gifting them money, no?
    Just playing, t'would be awesome. I am gaining a bit of faith in old Ayrey, picking up Milner, Ings, Firmino and Clyne, all wanted/in-demand players, most of whom were wanted by our rivals (Man Utd for Firmino and Clyne, City wanted to keep Milner, Spurs apparently with Ings). If he can pip Arsenal to Higs and Illara, I'll be a very happy lad.

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  25. Tottenham are hoping Aston Villa will accept Emmanuel Adebayor as part of a swap deal with Christian Benteke.
    Daily Mirror

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  26. 266 games and 2 what? Tell me! I NEED TO KNOW!

    But seriously, he'd be a decent option, but as a squad player, and we have plenty of those for our CF position. being badass in the eastern euro leagues doesnt mean a hell of a lot. And why hasnt he been picked for Brazils CF spot over Fred if he's so good? I know he's got a couple of caps, but they only came when he was already 27/28

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  27. So the uncertainty of the Asst Manager has been lessened yay

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  28. I think we should sign him but my dog says we shouldn't Russian 'til we've seen a bit more of him

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  29. Sorry to hear that, Mrs. Higuain.

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  30. I love the guy and I think he's just what we need but 67 million is rubbish. And the chairman knows that. He also knows he's in Naples so he can't say anything else. How about Balotelli, Borini and 30 million? Apparently Borini is worth 14 million and Balo cost us 16 so that's pretty close to those 67 :-)

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  31. All that needs to be, though, is the agent phoning the club and asking if we're interested.

    Then he can say he's "had discussions" and the club can't deny it. Though clubs don't generally do denials anyway, since a denial is usually interpreted as a statement of interest, and you don't want to give your competitors any idea what you're doing.

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  32. Heard sampdo have ended their interest in Balotelli, i still thinks even at 4m no one will want him.
    It's bizarre how lfc paid 20m for a player Milan are desperate to get rid of..and offered him 4year deal.
    It's difficult to see anyone coming for Balo until he runs down his contract .
    Bogdan has been signed, now ospina is available... The question is how do we get rid if we want to bring a gk capable of challenging mingo? It' will be as hard as trying to sign Messi.... Even Bolton did not want him.
    lfc have formed a habit in signing players that performed well against us, the next to follow will probably be benteke.

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  33. It's almost as though someone else is writing their quotes.

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  34. That transfer story is completely fabricated i think. And the Benteke story will not go away, i expect we end up with the big Belgian. Good player, might even work out for us, not ideal player but good one.

    but lets all hope Sturridge finally gets a clean, injury free season.

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  35. Starting the day off like that mate leaves alot to live up to.....;)

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  36. Anyone know anything or something about Sean O'Driscoll, Brendan new N0.2..... I see Forest fans are congratulating him, and saying how much they like the bloke, but does anyone know anything about him beyond the obvious media line on clubs he's worked with.... More on style, and effectiveness....

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  37. Not sure Sean O'Driscoll would be the answer but guess he would need to be given a chance should rumours be true.

    Guus Hiddink has just left the Dutch job and IMO would be a good shout to improve our situation. The guy has all the experience in the world at club and International level.



    His record at Chelsea for the 23 matches he was there W17, D5, L1, GF44, GA22, Win % 73.91 when he took the job mid season. Even the job he did at Madrid was very good.


    Loads of success in Netherlands with PSV too. Won the European Cup back in 1988 with them. Very attack minded and defensively solid manager.

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  38. I have no clue about him. Will be his first time at a club as massive as LFC.

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  39. Any ideas why LIverpool is said to be reluctant to pursue Rondon? I saw on some site that "Liverpool believe the chase for Rondon may be complicated"?

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  40. @ Stan . Do you have any ideas why Liverpool is said to be reluctant to pursue Rondon? I saw on some site that "Liverpool believe the chase for Rondon may be complicated"?

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  41. First of all a tiny correction: Higuain will be 28, not 29, in December this year.


    Secondly, I haven't seen any credible sources for this story. It is extremely unlikely that we can afford him and very unlikely that he'd come. This looks like a total nonsense story and at this stage there seems absolutely no reason for any intelligent person to take it seriously. Obviously if he could be obtained for a reasonable fee that would be wonderful but I don't think we should let our dreams cloud all sense of realism.

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  42. Little did I know but i assure you he's a yes man

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  43. Don't know too much but he likes his teams to play attractive football similar to BRs supposed ethos. I like the idea of Ljinders being involved as first team coach but not convinced by O'Driscoll if he gets the job ad never had any experience with working with seasoned internationals. Bit underwhelming if you ask me.

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  44. It was £16m, on a 3 year contract, and yes Milan were desperate to get rid, but not because of how he played....he got 34 goals in 56 matches for Milan, it was because they gave him £150k per week when he signed and then they couldn't afford it. He agreed a basic of half that with us, with add ons to salary based on goals and success (none of which he has met clearly), so in reality he didn't cost too much more that Southampton paid for Long or Hull paid for Abel Hernandez. Don't get me wrong it was a cock up....but it was a calculated risk on a player that, despite his other 'issues' has generally always scored goals.

    It didn't break the bank is what is am trying to say, and someone will still take him for £10m I reckon....we are about to sell Borini for £8m and he has scored 4 goals for us in three years!

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  45. Copa America 2015???

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  46. Agreed on Lacazette.

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  47. We have two Italian strikers we want off our books, maybe they could sweeten the deal?

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  48. Very good player, just not £67M good. Way too much money...for that amount we could easily buy Lacazette.


    For £40M he would be an interesting option. But Napoli will never sell for that amount, De Laurentis is a master negotiator.

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  49. When he was at Doncaster he was very highly rated, he had them playing fantastic football. Playing from the back and to feet. He moved on to Bristol and Forest but it didn't quite work out for him, in my opinion because they didn't give him enough time to get his style of play across. I can promise anybody not happy with him being assistant manager that he's a good coach and tactically very good too, if BR will listen to him though I don't know.

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  50. £35m + Balotelli & Borini. May be too hard to refuse.

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  51. We are going to struggle moving on Balo. Nobody seems to want him.


    Balo price £6m, take a £10m hit, cut our losses and move on.

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  52. Surely worth a go, but I like many others would rather we throw our money at Lyon for there striker, can't spell his name!

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  53. One of worst transfer we ever made

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  54. Aquilani still by far one of the worst. We lost shed loads of money on that deal. More than what we are going to loose if we had to sell Balo.

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  55. sign higuain immediately faster. liverpool will be xext season champion

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  56. Wages going to be issue for italian teams,probably only way they could afford to pay him if he was free. Can see him going on loan with us paying 50% of his wages.

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  57. No one is going to pay over 40 mill for him master negotiator or not he is not worth it.

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  58. I think he won something with Doncaster Rovers, but that's about it trophy wise. Mostly managed lower league clubs.

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  59. Yup, get Reus too.

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  60. At first I thought it seemed pretty unlikely.
    But thinking about it. Napoli are kind of in a similar boat as Liverpool - not in the CL. So, it's not like he would be losing anything if he moved to Liverpool. I'm sure if a CL club came knocking he'd be tempted. But if they don't? and he still wants to leave? Liverpool could be a good option.
    It still seems unlikely, but you never know.

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  61. Liverpool are expected to sign United States Under-18 striker Brooks Lennon this week.

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  62. Copa America 2015???

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  63. Just Moldova what you were saying, and I have to agree.

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  64. No point being hasty -- one steppe at a time.

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  65. yeah and bankrupt too;))

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  66. Lucas to Inter rumours may finally become a reality. IMO big mistake letting him go without a proper replacement.

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  67. Like I said, not shown in this country....

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  68. De Laurentis is is a bit of a baiter too. In fact he's a master at that as well.

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  69. Nice, I like a good positive spin... I would think from reading just the obvious statement from Rodgers about the bloke, that rodgers admires him and his game.... I hope that translates along with Pep into a good working relationship.... I for one, will be supporting the three of them, regardless of the fact that only one has a foreign name.....

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  70. AVB probably doesn't want to help any British clubs after his treatment by Chelsea and then Spurs... That and the fact that Zenit are won the league, and Rondon played a big part in that.... Then there's the fact that there is alot of money for wages in the Russian PL..... All these are just guesses of course, I have no idea really.... I will say though that I'm not fussed either way... Don't know wnough about him to have a real opinion...

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  71. original-gideon2:54 pm, June 30, 2015

    It is on my television and the last time I checked in I was definitely living in the UK

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  72. original-gideon2:55 pm, June 30, 2015

    Do I really need to give you the name of the TV station?

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  73. I think It was either the Rumbelow's all comers cup or the watching paint dry challenge trophy

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  74. He was asked if he was not a yes man and he said yes

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  75. There's a few hundred unsaid 'I told you sos' out there.

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  76. You can try, but I have BTSport, and SkySprts, and it's on neither... Nor is it on ESPN or Eurosport, ITV and the BBC... So for 99% of people who wouldn't try and stream it through slightly norferious channels, it's not on in this country, and the recent clambering for Salomon Rondon is based purely on the fact that some extremely loose links were made in the media....

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  77. Rondon at 15 would be good. Yes he plays in a lighter league but he plays with the kind of killer instinct and arrogance that all great strikers must have...and his finishing touch is really good.

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  78. Funny that, the final is on Saturday the 4th at 5 chile time.... Checking through the TV listing for the British eqivilant time... and low and behold... nothing.....You must tell what channel you are recieving the games on so I can contact my suppliers and complain....

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  79. original-gideon3:18 pm, June 30, 2015

    Premier sports

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  80. I see.... one of those channels that you have to pay for, but never has anything on....No wonder I haven't seen it..... Thanks though, even though I know it grated on you telling me....

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  81. Highs in would be great if we get good money for RS. But what's wrong with this Diao kid from Lazio? Seems like a bit of a head case but he can score.

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  82. Since when have we shied away from a good mistake.

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  83. I would love us to sign Higuain but the probability of FSG bankroling it are slim, but in signing Higuain we would be bringing in a prolific striker who has done it at the highest level but at the prices being touted I would rather pay £35m+ for Lacazette as I feel he is the perfect fit. It's difficult situation for the club as they will have to spend pretty big to bring in the quality the fans want and in all fairness we need. Aubameyang would be a good fit, Mauro Icardi from Inter is another striker I like he is good with both feet and quick...But in all reality the likes of Higuain, Lacazette, Icardi or Aubameyang will not come cheap,Claudio Beauvue and Luiz Adriano wouldn't cost the world but would they be enough to appease the fans? The answer from most would be no! We need quality and it costs there is no escaping that reality

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  84. Yes he would be a bargain mate

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  85. original-gideon4:48 pm, June 30, 2015

    Apart from Copa America, broadcast in England. Not at all. The pleasure was mine.

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  86. original-gideon4:52 pm, June 30, 2015

    Unproven in the EPL, with no credible re-sale value should it go belly up. It's a no-brainer.

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  87. Not at anywhere close to that price, not in a million years is he worth anything approaching Suarez value.

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  88. I didn't particularly like the little I have seen of Rondon but I agree with Sudeep's general point of post, £67million for Higuain is as ridiculous as ridiculous has ever been know to be.

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  89. I've watched a little of it so far and wouldn't advocate typing into Google (other search engines are available) the name of the game followed by free stream.

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  90. It's a fine line between sweet and sour.

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  91. Like it, had forgotten Ripper Raheem's killer instincts (alleged)

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  92. As per reports , we're also in chase of Mario Gomez. Looked good in Bayern set up, not saw him playing for Fiorentina.
    Guy has got a good built and eye for goal but I guess he is not very mobile.
    Opinions?

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  93. Not the best source but you could see that as being a semi-serious proposition, didn't Sherwood re-instate Adebayor to first team duties when he got the spurs job, think he was rewarded with a bit of a goal run too, so maybe he rates him. Would think they'd have to stump up a fair bit of cash though too but hopefully they manage to beat us to him.

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  94. Not saying I disagree, but I just don't see Brendan accepting the appointment and agreeing to work alongside *anyone* with a 'bigger' name than his own.

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  95. original-gideon6:34 pm, June 30, 2015

    Apart from the Copa America-pretty much. £7.99 for a month of football's hardly breaking the bank. You can cancel after 30 days. You can also watch it in the UK. Grated? Was my pleasure correcting you.

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  96. It is when you already subscribe to BTSport and SkySports....especially when they have nothing of note on....

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  97. He is really really an average player at best.

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  98. Your right of course, I was being generous... to myself aswell....

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  99. No argument here.. and probably not from those at Napoli either.

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  100. Meant to add that agree with you about the Rondon links, they seem to be based entirely on a whole lot of nothingness :)

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  101. Yep, BE doesn't appear to have the confidence to surround himself with anything but "yes" men. Ole Guus would rip him apart behind closed doors and that would be it. Seems it's still the BR show. He better do well in Sept/Oct or the fans will be calling for blood.

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  102. Well, if no one sorts out the defense it won't matter what style he professes...

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  103. I always fancied joining the 1% :)

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  104. Buck's use of Balotelli, has been appalling

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  105. If Stirling is worth £50M, then Gonzo is worth £67M. We need starters who will deliver from the off .. he's a warrior, with goals to boot

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  106. Work out how many matches they play in the Copa America. Then divide it by £7.99. It's good value which ever way you look at it. Even removing the bad teams your still gonna get games for less than a pound a match.

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  107. Not really.... The original point though, rather tha value was no one was catching the games, and to be honest, I don't think anything has changed....I don't know anyone who has Premier Sports Channel...most prefering BT and Sky because of the vast number of games covered, including Brazil, MLS, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, Ligue Un,Eredivisie, Portugese, PL, Championship just for starters...

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  108. original-gideon7:59 pm, July 01, 2015

    A one off payment of £7.99...Less than a pound a match to watch the best teams in South and Central America play football isn't good value? Please stop, your killing me hahaha Out of interest how much is your combined sports package? The reason I don't bother with it anymore is that it doesn't give value for money. You probably watch 4-6 matches if your truly interested of over the course of the month. AND ,your original point was contesting the fact that you could watch Rondon play football in the Copa America in the UK. Not once, not twice but, four times and you were proven wrong. Thank you. :)

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  109. Haha! If you want to do that, be my guest.. Point still remains that aside from you, no one else has even suggested they had seen any of the games... So point still remains.

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  110. original-gideon6:59 am, July 02, 2015

    That wasn't your point. You asked if anyone had seen him play in Russia. I said you didn't need to in this country as you could watch the Copa America. You said I couldn't in this country four times. Whether anyone watched or not is irrelevant. I gave an answer that contradicted your original post and you didn't like it. Then proceeded to act like a child by trying to make me look like I was making it up. Instead of manning up and conceding I was right you've constantly changed the goalposts since. Its not a good look. You are the very definition of an Internet WUM and add nothing positive to these forums. So on that note I'm no longer interested in talking to someone who mentally never left school.

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  111. I remeber a certain player getting bought off the back of a WC, do you suggest fans and the club do the same now with Rondon....The last worked out a treat....

    Anyhow, If you say, I said I couldn't watch it in this country as the premise for your entire argument, then I still win, because I can't... and will put money on it that more than 90% of people here couldn't either.... Most people pay for Sky and BT and don't see the point of wasting cash on a random channel that gets one event in god knows how many years...

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