According to BVB chief Hans-Joachim Watzke, Jurgen Klopp is free to sign his former players from Borussia Dortmund, and new reports this week suggest that Serbian defender Neven Subotic remains at the top of the German's transfer wish-list.
Last month, Tutto Mercato claimed that Subotic wants to follow Klopp to Anfield, and when asked this week about the Liverpool rumours, BVB Sporting Director Michael Zorc told BILD:
“Neven is not happy [at Dortmund], and there are strong indications that he will say his farewells in January. Klopp wants to take him to Liverpool".
Subotic is definitely interested in a move to the Premier League, and he confirmed this in April:
"I can imagine playing in a league which rates physical football. The game in England is tougher, more aggressive and more physical, and as a centre-back I don't want to fear just touching an opponent".
In the same interview, Subotic - hailed by Klopp for his 'extraordinary' performances - blasted players who engage in play-acting and cheating, the risible euphimism for which is 'gamesmanship'. He scathed:
"How can I do my work when my opponent starts crying without contact? Diving annoys me, I think that's cheating. I just don't like it when an attacker is going at one kilometre an hour and flies like he's been hit by a car."
A refreshing point of view, which mirrors my own, but if £15m-rated Subotic thinks that the Premier League is a paragon of fair play, then he's in for a rude awakening.
Diving and cheating is as prevalent in England as it is anywhere else, and some of the game's biggest divers ply their trade in the Prem (i.e. Rooney, Young, and even some Liverpool players, who shall remain nameless).
In any event, this deal is (or should be) a non-starter for one simple reason: Subotic is far too injury prone for the rough and tumble of the Premier League:
* 12 injuries in the last four years, including a cruciate ligament injury (351 days on the sidelines/88 games missed).
* This season: 10 games missed already as a result of a persistent back problem.
Under Klopp, Liverpool have conceded only 8 goals in 11 games, which suggests that the current defensive unit is capable of consistent solidity.
With that in mind, is there really a need to rush into the transfer market and sign another central defender? At the very least, Liverpool should assess the situation for the rest of the season, and then make a decision in the summer.
Author: Jaimie K
Last month, Tutto Mercato claimed that Subotic wants to follow Klopp to Anfield, and when asked this week about the Liverpool rumours, BVB Sporting Director Michael Zorc told BILD:
“Neven is not happy [at Dortmund], and there are strong indications that he will say his farewells in January. Klopp wants to take him to Liverpool".
Subotic is definitely interested in a move to the Premier League, and he confirmed this in April:
"I can imagine playing in a league which rates physical football. The game in England is tougher, more aggressive and more physical, and as a centre-back I don't want to fear just touching an opponent".
In the same interview, Subotic - hailed by Klopp for his 'extraordinary' performances - blasted players who engage in play-acting and cheating, the risible euphimism for which is 'gamesmanship'. He scathed:
"How can I do my work when my opponent starts crying without contact? Diving annoys me, I think that's cheating. I just don't like it when an attacker is going at one kilometre an hour and flies like he's been hit by a car."
A refreshing point of view, which mirrors my own, but if £15m-rated Subotic thinks that the Premier League is a paragon of fair play, then he's in for a rude awakening.
Diving and cheating is as prevalent in England as it is anywhere else, and some of the game's biggest divers ply their trade in the Prem (i.e. Rooney, Young, and even some Liverpool players, who shall remain nameless).
In any event, this deal is (or should be) a non-starter for one simple reason: Subotic is far too injury prone for the rough and tumble of the Premier League:
* 12 injuries in the last four years, including a cruciate ligament injury (351 days on the sidelines/88 games missed).
* This season: 10 games missed already as a result of a persistent back problem.
Under Klopp, Liverpool have conceded only 8 goals in 11 games, which suggests that the current defensive unit is capable of consistent solidity.
With that in mind, is there really a need to rush into the transfer market and sign another central defender? At the very least, Liverpool should assess the situation for the rest of the season, and then make a decision in the summer.
Author: Jaimie K
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