The Lead
One year ago Liverpool FC were the transfer story for all the wrong reasons. Andy Carroll for 35 million Euros, Jordan Henderson for 17 and Stuart Downing for 18 are three reasons King Kenny no longer patrols the touchlines at Anfield.
Brendan Rodgers tenure as the new Reds manager was off to a difficult start – former player Gylfi Sigurdsson spurned Liverpool for Spurs. It looks as though Rodgers’ plan B may be better than choice A. Yesterday we learned a loan move for Carroll is a possibility with AC Milan being the most likely destination. Rodgers is also being linked with another former charge in Roma’s Fabio Borini. The Italian striker has a long history with the former Swansea boss, I recommend checking out Footy Blog contributor Paolo Bandini’s Borini profile. Reports this morning indicate an offer has been made to Roma. 21-year old Uruguayan and Bologna midfielder Gaston Ramirez is another Rodgers target.
Possibly the most interesting news to come out of Merseyside last night centered on American striker Clint Dempsey. Multiple outlets are reporting the Fulham star is on his way to Liverpool. Rodgers – planning to offer Fulham 7.5 million Euros- has long been a Dempsey admirer and you can imagine Fenway Sports Group would love to lock up the American before Liverpool begins their pre-season North American tour. Dempsey’s dream of playing Champions League football is not assured by going to Liverpool, but it’s certainly a step in the right direction.
Canada
Duane Rollins hits on a familiar refrain amongst the TFC faithful: the reds need a damn centre back.
She scores when she wants: Christine Sinclair notches her 135th international goal in Canada’s 1-0 victory over Columbia in a pre-olympic tune up.
Over at 86 forever, Jay Duke believes it’s time for Sebastien Le Toux to sit.
England
Liverpool FC will become the first premier league club to be represented in a pride festival march. Well done.
PSG are not interested in RvP, leaving a clear path for Manchester City.
Manchester United have entered the bidding on Sao Paulo midfielder Lucas Moura.
Chelsea have offered 25 million Euros for International forward Oscar.
City locks up Mancini for five years.
Germany
Luuk de Jong really wants to go to Borussia Monchengladbach.
Bayern Munich are playing down reports that they’re in on Andrea Pirlo.
Meanwhile Munich’s new kit is pretty snazzy.
Werder Bremen complete the signing of Juventus forward Eljero Elia.
Spain
Marcelo Bielsa isn’t leaving Athetico Bilbao after all.
Juan Mata vs. David Silva: an Opta stats comparison, very interesting stuff.
Bits and Bobs
Possibly the coolest kit design ever created for a good cause. Check it out.
The new 2012/13 Premier League ball looks very nice.
Pirlo and Baggio back in the day.
And that, give or take, is the story so far…
If RVP truly heads to Man City I will officially give up on the BPL. It’s one thing to have dominant teams, it’s completely another when they just pick off the best players from within the same league. Talk about a double whammy!
This is what Barca and Real Madrid are all about.
True, but they don’t necessarily acquire all of their players from within their own league, do they?
Between the two of them, pretty much.
only like 2 or 3 Spanish players in La Liga who don’t play for the big 2 who are worth a damn. And Jordi Alba just signed for Barcelona! What are Javier Martinez and Jesus Navas waiting for?
I would think Barca n Madrid have pretty solid options in the def mid and winger positions…so doubt they’re looking at the moment. I dont really think there’s any room for Martinez or Navas to fit into either of those teams, and I don’t think they wanna give up a starting position to be a sub.
It appears van Persie and Arsenal are slated to hold talks next week. It’s possible he stays put, maybe the market for his services isn’t as strong as he thought it would be?
Most teams I think know too much about his injuries thanks to Wenger’s public complaining, so I guess thats one thing working in Wengers favor.
I dont think Dempsey works out in Liverpool. They should use their money on better defenders or at least a good left back. Maybe they should buy Riice back.lol