Liverpool continue to be linked with a move for Inter Milan outcast Andrea Ranocchia, and new reports today suggest that the Reds are very close to sealing a deal.
According to Italian newspaper TuttoMercato today:
"There is contact between the Liverpool and [Inter]. The parties will try to close the deal in 48-72 hours. Ranocchia has already said yes to the transfer".
Italian journalist Tancredi Palmeri also claims that a deal is on. Earlier today, he tweeted:
"Liverpool have [an] agreement in principle with Inter's Ranocchia. Talks ongoing with Inter".
Some info about Ranocchia:
* 6'5 central defender, who cost Inter €18m, and captained the club last season.
* According to German newspaper Bild, Klopp was 'keen' to sign Ranocchia for Dortmund.
* This season: Granted only 208 minutes of pitch time (averaging 20 mins per game), and has started only one match.
* Aug 2015: Stripped of the Inter captaincy after only one year, after which Inter legend Marco Materazzi mused: "He [Ranocchia] must react to criticism after some unimpressive performances. In my view, it would be best if he left".
* ESPN's assessment of Ranocchia's 2014-15 seasons: "Huge questions over his capabilities. Often guilty of mistakes that cost points. Decision making a major weakness. [Often] panicked into giving the ball away or misjudging a situation. Biggest enemy is his own mind as he does not trust himself".
Mistakes that lead to goals? Bad decision-making? Misjudging situations? Mentally suspect? Ranocchia sounds like an unholy mix of Sakho and Lovren's weaknesses, and the last thing Liverpool need is another error-prone defender who can't handle pressure.
If Ranocchia can't handle it at Inter, how is he going to succeed at LFC, where pressure/expectation is (arguably) significantly more intense? On the plus side, according to Materazzi:
"Ranocchia is one of the top three Italian defenders. Inter fans will think me mad for saying that, but it’s what I believe".
One thing that doesn't make sense: Ranocchia has an encouraging history (missed only 7 games since 2012) but he's recently picked up an injury, which means he's on the sidelines right now.
Liverpool need a defender to come in and hit the ground running, so what's the point in signing someone who's currently injured, and will, consequently, need time (that LFC don't have) to regain match fitness?
Author: Jaimie K
According to Italian newspaper TuttoMercato today:
"There is contact between the Liverpool and [Inter]. The parties will try to close the deal in 48-72 hours. Ranocchia has already said yes to the transfer".
Italian journalist Tancredi Palmeri also claims that a deal is on. Earlier today, he tweeted:
"Liverpool have [an] agreement in principle with Inter's Ranocchia. Talks ongoing with Inter".
Some info about Ranocchia:
* 6'5 central defender, who cost Inter €18m, and captained the club last season.
* According to German newspaper Bild, Klopp was 'keen' to sign Ranocchia for Dortmund.
* This season: Granted only 208 minutes of pitch time (averaging 20 mins per game), and has started only one match.
* Aug 2015: Stripped of the Inter captaincy after only one year, after which Inter legend Marco Materazzi mused: "He [Ranocchia] must react to criticism after some unimpressive performances. In my view, it would be best if he left".
* ESPN's assessment of Ranocchia's 2014-15 seasons: "Huge questions over his capabilities. Often guilty of mistakes that cost points. Decision making a major weakness. [Often] panicked into giving the ball away or misjudging a situation. Biggest enemy is his own mind as he does not trust himself".
Mistakes that lead to goals? Bad decision-making? Misjudging situations? Mentally suspect? Ranocchia sounds like an unholy mix of Sakho and Lovren's weaknesses, and the last thing Liverpool need is another error-prone defender who can't handle pressure.
If Ranocchia can't handle it at Inter, how is he going to succeed at LFC, where pressure/expectation is (arguably) significantly more intense? On the plus side, according to Materazzi:
"Ranocchia is one of the top three Italian defenders. Inter fans will think me mad for saying that, but it’s what I believe".
One thing that doesn't make sense: Ranocchia has an encouraging history (missed only 7 games since 2012) but he's recently picked up an injury, which means he's on the sidelines right now.
Liverpool need a defender to come in and hit the ground running, so what's the point in signing someone who's currently injured, and will, consequently, need time (that LFC don't have) to regain match fitness?
Author: Jaimie K
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