25 Apr 2016

Offer Made: Liverpool in contact with 'incredible' £40k-a-week attacker who wanted Anfield transfer in 2013

During Brendan Rodgers' reign, Liverpool were heavily linked with a move for ex-Newcastle attacker Hatem Ben Arfa^, and recent reports suggest that Jurgen Klopp is keen to sign the skillful Nice star this summer.

Back in February 2013, ESPN claimed:

"Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is a keen admirer of [Ben Arfa] and has made enquiries about securing his services".

According to RMC Sport:

"Liverpool and AC Milan have already sent him [for Ben Arfa] offers. The Reds have also sent scouts several times to Nice to watch him, and were notably present at at the recent Nice-Rennes match"

At the time of Liverpool's prior interest, Ben Arfa made it clear that he'd consider a move to Anfield:

"I am interested in Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool. Today, these clubs are above Newcastle. My goal is to stay in England"


Some info about Ben Arfa:

* Right winger, who can also play as a central attacking midfielder. Current contract expires: 2016

* Newcastle: 14 goals/17 assists in 86 games (One every 164 mins)

* Nice: 18 goals/5 assists in 34 games (One every 124 mins).

* Feb 2013: Jan Molby's assessment: "Hatem Ben Arfa is one of those players you look at and think to yourself: 'I'd love to get my hands on him".

* Feb 2016: Laurent Blanc's enthused: "He [Ben Arfa] is a footballer that I like. We're obliged to like him because he does some incredible things. And whoever likes football is of course obliged to like that".

At Newcastle, Ben Arfa was constantly injured, and spent over 300 days on the sidelines (52 games missed). However, he hasn't been injured since 2014, and is enjoying a sustained period of full fitness at Nice. That said, all of Ben Arfa's injuries have come in the Premier League, which suggests that he's not suited to English football. France is much less physical than England, so perhaps Ben Arfa has found his level?

If he returns to the Premier League, there's a danger that he'll start racking up injuries again, and that's the last thing Liverpool need. Additionally, Ben Arfa's minutes-per-goal/assist ration is merely average in the Premier League.

A good transfer for Liverpool?


^ Reportedly on £40k-a-week at Nice

Author: Jaimie K


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