LFC Transfer Window Update III – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Fresh from the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal, perhaps Liverpool need to accelerate their transfer market activities. True? Or are the Reds already sitting on an embarrassment of riches? The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of LFC’s transfer market action this week.
The Good
News this morning that Liverpool are prepared to match Wolves’ asking price of £40m for Ismaila Sarr. Judging by the Reds’ performance yesterday, this is certainly what I’d call Good news. Jürgen Klopp’s front three weren’t firing on all cylinders yesterday. Clearly, in a perfect world it would be nice to have had a couple of options.
Divock Origi has hardly featured due to “a knock”. Takumi Minamino is still not up to speed. Notwithstanding his equaliser yesterday, he’s not quite where Klopp would like for sure. Thus, there remains very little cover for the fabled front three as things stand. There could also be trouble coming from afar.
With the recent installation of Ronald Koeman as managed at Barcelona, there is talk of not only Gini Wijnaldum being a target, but Sadio Mané’s name has also been mentioned as a potential replacement for want-away striker Lionel Messi.
Contrary to the midfield, where there is undoubtedly plenty of competition for places, or back up if you prefer – very few options exist for the attack. Let’s see what happens, but perhaps the youngster could become a more valuable signing than the much-vaunted Thiago Alcantara.
Liverpool are interested in Watford forward Ismaila Saar, but the clubs' poor relationship could scupper any deal. (@Liverpoolcom_) pic.twitter.com/2QCJWjWPyL
— Liverpool Chronicle (@LivChron) July 21, 2020
The Bad
The rumours beginning to circulate in the Spanish press that Sadio Mané is “excited” at the prospect of joining Barcelona. Should the Senegal international leave, this would represent a major blow to Klopp and Liverpool. It goes without saying that no player is bigger than the club. “The king is dead, long love the king!” is an expression I’m rather fond of using in these situations.
That said, it’s obvious Mané’s departure would surely raise a few eyebrows, and ruffle a few feathers, and put the cat among… you get my drift. Therefore the signing of Sarr would take on a little more importance. Or for that matter at least, an alternative.
One thing that has impressed me during Klopp’s reign is the extent to which he and his supporting team are always prepared for all eventualities where transfers are concerned. An example of which was the recent attempt to sign Norwich City’s Jamal Lewis. Liverpool FC’s Sporting Director Michael Edwards was able to swiftly move on to a alternative, in Kostas Tsimikas, when it became clear that Norwich weren’t going to play ball – at least not fairly in any event.
My question in this case is: does Edwards have a practical alternative for Sadio Mané? Getting back up for Andy Robertson is one thing – no disrespect, but a ready-made replacement for one of the world’s most clinical strikers…? I’d love to see him pull that out of the hat.
Reports coming out of Spain today that Barcelona want Sadio Mane if Messi decides to leave, they believe an offer of €120m can start negotiations with Liverpool.
👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/rSAWpzumHs
— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) August 27, 2020
The Ugly
This was actually a close thing this week. On one hand ex-Chelsea forward Tony Cascarino’s claim that Mo Salah could leave Liverpool “sooner rather than later” as he was below par in yesterday’s Community Shield game. Eh? Just for that… controversial, but same old, same old.
Or, on the other, a different transfer matter. Actually nothing to do with football transfers as such – at least not in relation to Liverpool. Something more fundamental. Something that affects us all in one way or another.
I’m actually a huge fan of the former Crystal Palace and Arsenal striker Ian Wright. A man who has overcome huge obstacles to ultimately become one of the greatest strikers to grace the English game. This type of character is always worthy in my eyes. Liverpool player or not, some topics, people, transcend all, regardless of team allegiances.
Much has been made of the recent decision by Sky to sack Matt Le Tissier, Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas from the Soccer Saturday line up, in favour of black and female presenters. In essence, accusations begin of being a “gender and racially motivated decision“. The ex-England striker went on to point out – quite rightly, that recognising the capabilities of Alex Scott, Sol Campbell and Micah Richards among others should be seen as purely down to race.
Fact is, we are living in a more diverse and comprehensive world that existed when the current all white, male trio were hired for the positions, 20 years plus, ago. The fact is that if black and minority people represent both ability and personality enough to make a positive change to the show – whilst bringing it up to date with society today, then where is the problem? Frankly there should be none.
Please watch Wrighty’s comments for yourself and decide.
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) August 26, 2020
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