Summer Transfers 2009

[Flight]

Danijel Pranjic of Heerenveen to LFC looks probable. (Left mid)

edit : Sounds like the lad above is an option and not nailed on - we are still in for Silva, despite Rafas denials.

 

[Treebeard]

As an Arsenal fan its almost pointless speculating as Arsene has already given his "We will sign maybe one or two players" routine.

Ideally we need good cover for CB, a DM who doesn't spend most of his time 30 yards infront of the back 4 and to get rid of Adebayor and Diaby.

I was hopeful that the impact of Arshavin and the Arse player of the season Nasri would make Arsene see sense in buying more complete players but I'm not holding my breath.

 

[Legs]

1 or 2 english players wouldnt go a miss at Arsenal either.

 

[Anubis]

We need to get a LM and either give Babel 1 more season of shift him to Arsenal, where I think he'd become a very very good player. We also need a CB as Carragher is, in my opinion, coming to the end of his sell by date, he has made a lot of errors this season which have gone largely unpunished.

Will rafa sign his usual tripe & onions or will he actually sign someone half decent now he will have nobody to blame but himself if things do not go well.

Insua is by far the best LB at the club, and the likes of Spearing, Nemeth, Dalla Valle and Darby should be given their chances. I would not have Lucas in my Gillingham (my second club) team.

Arsenal should break the bank and try and get Alonso, or even Barry would be a good signing for them, with the experience needed. A CB should be a priority, in the Vidic/Skrtel mould, someone commanding and tough. I would sell Adebayor, his attitude sucks a lot of the tiime.

 

[Adder]

1 or 2 english players wouldnt go a miss at Arsenal either.

Wrong, theres no English players about that I would like to see at Arsenal because of the price tag that would come with them. Sure I'd love Terry or Rio but we can't afford/they are not worth near the kind of money they would cost, same goes for all the quality English players unless your going to buy someone younger like A.Young or S.Taylor (who still wouldn't be cheap!) and lets face it, we have more promising young English players than Liverpool, Chavs or ManU? as it is so why would we buy more we we need experienced players?

It's the lack of experience that has cost us this season, we defiantly need a DM and imho a CB.

I'd sell Addy, Bentner and Song or Denilson (I'm coming round to like Bentner but I'd rather give Jay Simpson a chance and get the cash) and then spend that on getting the above DM/CM, the only problem that gives us is a lack of target men and height up front as Jay won't be able to be played all the time. So look for another big CF who's experienced.

 

[Agravaine]

I wouldn't want Terry at Arsenal even if he was the best defender in the world ever.

Ade seems to have second season syndrome so I'd give him at least one more to see if he recovers the form of last season. RvP stayed fit a lot longer this season but seems to have lost his form a bit to compensate. I like Bendtner and he's constantly improving. Wouldn't want to see any of them leave TBH.

I'd say we need an out and out goal scorer but I still think that's Eduardo and he's been injured most of the season. Still, he managed 3 goals or so in the handful of games he did play which says a lot.

For me, our best bet is to go with one big striker (Ade/Bendtner) who can bully defenders, win balls in the air and score from crosses/corners and partner him with a smaller, more technical striker (RvP/Eduardo) who can go past people and score both good and scrappy goals.

We also have Vela (who's awesome), Theo might well move there when he learns how to take his time and finish consistently and, as you say, Simpson is waiting in the wings.

I'd say we need a left winger to free up Arshavin but I guess Nasri plays well there.

Not sure about central midfield. Cesc has to play obviously and we have Song, Denilson and Diaby all of whom I like (even Diaby, when he's not fucking around). The thing that needs to change, regardless of whether we buy anyone or not, is whoever plays the holding role needs to actually hold and not join in every attack leaving the defense vulnerable.

Personally I think all three are capable of holding their own physically but it would help having someone who can not only do that but is experienced enough to bully the opposition midfield and hold the team together when things go wrong.

I think we're OK at full back but the middle of defense is a worry. Silvestre seems past it unless he makes a remarkable return to form. Kolo and Bill are both good defenders but they both play better with a partner who's bigger, stronger, wins everything in the air and is generally very hard to knock off the ball thus leaving them free to use their pace to mop things up. Djourou is very good and fills this role to a degree but again he lacks experience.

If we're buying, I'd say a big lump of a central defender and a big lump of a center half who's only worries are stopping the opposition playing and giving the ball to our play makers of whom we seem to have about 137.

 

[Flight]

Wrong, theres no English players about that I would like to see at Arsenal because of the price tag that would come with them.

The problem this year is the crash of the � against the Euro. Where it used to be 1 : 1.5 its now 1 : 1.1

Players from Europe have effectively had a 30% surcharge placed on them for both transfer and wage costs.

Insua is by far the best LB at the club, and the likes of Spearing, Nemeth, Dalla Valle and Darby should be given their chances. I would not have Lucas in my Gillingham (my second club) team.

I'd say an in form Aurelio is the best LB in Europe, but the problem is he gets injured so often and it takes a couple of games back for him to find any form. Yes, Insua looks an excellent prospect.

Until now, Rafa has been constantly frustrated by Parry in the youth and academy work, which is ridiculous considering Rafa is one of the highest rated youth coaches in Europe (he was in charge of Reals youth set up for years and brought through many Spanish stars). That will change; he's just sacked the Academy Director (Piet Hamberg) and appointed Frank McParland to sort it out.. Obligatory cut and paste highlighting this :

Parry's son is/was doing his badges and to get your A licence you need to go to a team abroad.

He went to Young Boys Berne. Heighway was leaving and we needed a new director for the Academy.

Parry's lad told him that this Piet Hamberg was the man to get. Rafa wanted some Spanish lad, but was over ruled by Parry who had the power.

Rafa wanted to sign this doctor who was supposed to be quality, Parry dug his heels in and the doc went to Man Utd.

So Parry asked Piet if he knew a good doctor, he said yes some bird doctor at Young Boys. So she got the job.

When we needed to do a medical on Dossena our doc was away with England so Rafa said bring the academy doctor in.

It was then brought to light that she did not have the right medical qualifications. But was in fact getting banged by Pier.

She got sacked he stayed.

We have some decent talent in the youth setup, Buchtman, Ince etc, so looking forward to the Youth Cup Final vrs Arsenal.

 

[Anubis]

Buchtman is definitely one to watch. There is a lot of talent at Liverpool beneath reserve level and I expect a few of these to come through in the next 4 or 5 years. Also some local lads (shock, horror).

Not sure I agree with you on Aurelio, he's good on his day but for me not exceptional. I have not really seen him set a game alight. His injury proneness does affect this though. I would put him behind Insua.

Would you want Tevez?

 

[Flight]

Would you want Tevez?

Yes. And we certainly need a new forward. We're talking to his people, but it hasn't gone any further than that, yet.

Of course, if he does come, it's a question again of where he would fit in and messing about with 4 4 2 again, unless he can play as a F L (and he is right footed).


Bottom line, though, everything is down to finances at the moment. Statler and Waldorf are in all sorts of trouble, financially, with their sports franchises across the pond. Hicks just recently defaulted on $500mill+ of loans, with them heading towards bankruptcy . Gillett is selling the Montreals - this could be concluded by mid June, which is when their �350mill loan to buy LFC is due to be paid. There is a rumor going around that RBS have granted them another 6 months, but it's just a rumor, for now.

 

[Janie]

I hope the Top teams continue spending millions on crappy Italian LB's and lazy Bulgurian strikers and useless pink booted Den-marksmen. That means the cream of there youth system can be brought by lesser teams

 

[Flight]

Massive coup for us this - Segura has been appointed as technical manager of the Academy. This is the guy Rafa wanted to appoint previously, but was blocked by Parry (once again).

Liverpool have appointed Jose Segura as Academy technical manager, with the 48-year-old taking up his new position on June 1st.
He will report to Academy director Frank McParland and will bring huge experience to the role, having worked at FC Barcelona for both their youth system and Barca B team.

During his time with the Catalan giants, he helped develop players of the calibre of Andres Iniesta, Victor Valdes, Gerard Pique, Bojan Krkic, Cesc Fabregas and Mikel Arteta.

He later enjoyed great success in Greece. Firstly with AEK Athens and then as assistant coach at Olympiacos before succeeding Takis Lemonis as manager and leading them to a Greek league and cup double in 2008.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez commented: "There's a lot to do at the Academy, but we've worked hard to bring in the best people and Jose is a great appointment.

"He's worked with some of the top young talent in Spain and knows the challenges faced in bringing through players to the first team set-up. He's also got experience at the top after his success with Olympiacos and I'm delighted that he's agreed to join us."

 

[Anubis]

I was going to post that also, this is indeed a big coup for us. He;s done well in the past and I would expect that some of the young lads can at least get bench places like they do at United and Arsenal.

 

[Janie]

Liverpool blew the league this season, or rather Rafa bottled it.
With Utd struggling for form, Chelsea in a mess and Arsenal still in a transition phase they had the perfect chance to capitalise on this and win the league, they even got themselves into the perfect position mid season, then Rafa blew it big style (or Keegan style) and they end the season with nothing apart from the usual 'we can win it next season'.

 

[Ky]

I see Rafa was very gracious in conceding the title..... NOT.

Got to beat the likes of Stoke @ Home if you want to win titles. Man U will strengthen further in the summer and unless Liverpool spend a lot of money, I can't see anything changing next year.

Mind you, Rafa can't totally be trusted with a chequebook; look at the drivel he bought last summer, Riera aside.

Looks like Newcastle are going down. I think Man United will play a virtual reseve team against Hull, what with the CL coming up. Plus that means Newcastle actually have to win a game and score some goals.

 

[Janie]

I
Looks like Newcastle are going down. I think Man United will play a virtual reseve team against Hull, what with the CL coming up.

Most of Man Utd's second string would get straight into Hulls team and to be honest Man Utd's reserves are probably going to be more up for the Hull game than Man Utd's first team would be, as they'll be playing for a place on the bench at the CL final. If Rio and Vidic are both rested then maybe Hull have a chance, if not I can see Man Utd winning quite easily. As for Newcastle they could pick up a draw at Villa, which may be enough to keep them up.

 

[Ky]

I think you'll find a Hull side willing to kick seven bells of shit out of Man U players and none of the players with even a sniff of the CL final will fancy it. In terms of the fringe members, its not about them being better players, they won't be used to playing together as a team.

I think Hull will draw or win and lets bear in mind that Newcastle have to at least draw and Hull lose. If Hull draw, Newcastle have to win. If Hull win, Newcastle are fucked whatever they do.

Its not looking good for them and they're away to a Villa side that, although in a poor run of form, are almost certainly too good for Newcastles piss poor defence.

Goodbye to Boro - an awful side, with poor support and a poor manager. Steve Gibson seems like a decent chairman but one swallow doesn't make a summer.

 

[Janie]

Goodbye to Boro - an awful side, with poor support and a poor manager. Steve Gibson seems like a decent chairman but one swallow doesn't make a summer.

At least Boro attempt to play a decent brand of Football, while being mostly ineffective due to no presence up front whatsoever (also see WBA) - Wait until you see Birmingham next season under McLeash, one of the worst footballing sides in the championship, they make Stoke look like Brazil.

Incidently it's plainly obvisous this season that if you want to survive in the Prem you need a targetman/hold up the ball type striker. Both WBA and Boro don't have one and with Viduka missing in action most of the season neither did Newcastle. Stoke shot up the league once they got Beattie in and Wigan have barely won a game since losing Heskey, at Blackburn with Santa so out of form or injured Big Sam has taken to throwing Samba (a 10foot defender) upfront and they've moved out of danger. And Bolton will always be ok as long as Davis plays.

 

[Adder]

The problem this year is the crash of the � against the Euro. Where it used to be 1 : 1.5 its now 1 : 1.1

Players from Europe have effectively had a 30% surcharge placed on them for both transfer and wage costs.

The Euros been below 1.3 for ages! (ages = the last 12months..I'm young and thus 12months is ages to me)

Boro attempted to play football but they didn't have the players capable, Downing is arguably one of the better play makers of their team and his woeful record of 60 shots and 0 goals this season really does say it all. It's a shame as I rather liked them as a team.

I'm going to predict Newcastle Villa will be a 1-1 draw and Hull loose to ManU by virtue of a torrid performance, it's a shame as I'd "bloody love it" if Newcastle went down.