Liverpool 2014-15: Now Is Time On Merseyside When We Dance

cjdmadcow · Jul 11, 2014

From a purely playing perspective, he's a huge loss for us. Current Player of the Year, capable of producing moments of absolute magic that few others would even think about. I'm sad in a way I didn't anticipate, in that I never got to see him play live in the red shirt of Liverpool. I've seen all the greats, from St John, Keegan, Dalglish, Rush and yes, even Torres but I never saw Suarez and that makes me sad.

Goodbye, you crazy, mad, bastard. I'm gonna miss you.

He's only going 'cos Norwich City got relegated.

Zomp · Jul 11, 2014

John Ruddy ‏@Johnruddy86 28m
Got to be in for a cut of the Suarez deal surely?!

Zomp · Jul 11, 2014

More seriously, I've seen the fee quoted at 75M, 64M, and 57M. All in pounds. I'm curious to see what the actual fee is, but mostly because it will decide how wrong Dlew was...

Mighty Joe Young · Jul 11, 2014

Nice , politically correct, farewell statement:

Suárez told Liverpoolfc.com: “It is with a heavy heart that I leave Liverpool for a new life and new challenges in Spain. Both me and my family have fallen in love with this club and with the city. But most of all I have fallen in love with the incredible fans. You have always supported me and we, as a family, will never forget it, we will always be Liverpool supporters.
“I hope you can all understand why I have made this decision. This club did all they could to get me to stay, but playing and living in Spain, where my wife’s family live, is a lifelong dream and ambition. I believe now the timing is right.
“I wish Brendan Rodgers and the team well for the future. The club is in great hands and I’m sure will be successful again next season. I am very proud I have played my part in helping to return Liverpool to the elite of the Premier League and in particular back into the Champions League.
“Thank you again for some great moments and memories. You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

mgoblue2 · Jul 11, 2014

SSN has it at 64.3 million pounds/81 million euros, which is what the Spanish press was reporting.

SoxFanInPdx · Jul 11, 2014

If Barca didn't pay the full release clause, that is nonsense. BBC is reporting it was met. Who knows,

swiftaw · Jul 11, 2014

swiftaw said:
There's no way Liverpool 'fire' Suarez, they could definitely still sell him to Barca or Real for a large transfer fee.

soxfan121 said:
There's a better chance of Xavi agreeing to suit up for Real Madrid than there is of Suarez being sold this summer. Nine league and three Champions League fixtures is a really heavy price for any club, especially a La Liga club which has tight limits on non-EU roster spots.

fletcherpost · Jul 11, 2014

The BBC report says: "Liverpool have agreed to sell striker Luis Suarez to Barcelona for a fee thought to be about £75m."

I guess that leaves a lot of wiggle room.

Morgan's Magic Snowplow · Jul 11, 2014

How much of this money do you guys think Pool will spend during the rest of the window? Based on the reported fees, it seems like Lallana (25) + Lambert (4) + Can (10) + Markovic (20) is about £59m, so Pool is probably 5-15M in the black for the window.

fletcherpost · Jul 11, 2014

I dunno Morgan, but i reckon they'll need a chunk of that for Gerrard's new bionic legs and portable internal respirator.

PedroSpecialK · Jul 11, 2014

Take it with a grain of salt for how often this is said, but the club is insisting that those purchases were independent of any additional budget secured by a Suarez transfer.

Lots of talk around Wilfried Bony, which would be great - Marković is reportedly having his medical today or tomorrow, that should be a huge addition.

Shockingly, talk of Aspas being used as a makeweight for Sevilla in the Moreno saga - if Ayre can add him as positive value for securing a LB for the future that'd be massive.

cjdmadcow · Jul 11, 2014

Don't forget, screwing up the Konoplyanka transfer in the winter saved us 16-20M that would have been added to this summers kitty. Plus, massive commercial deals are still paying their way so I would have expected us spending iro 50M anyway. The Suarez money just helps sweeten the pot, though I don't expect us to go completely nuts.

I'm convinced the contract extension signed in December was in order to make sure we got fair value and that there was actually an intention for him to go. With that in mind, we did well to get some good business done before the world became aware we had cash to burn (a la Spurs 2013)

soxfan121 · Jul 11, 2014

swiftaw said:

Bit off more than I could chew there, eh?

PedroSpecialK · Jul 11, 2014

cjdmadcow said:
Don't forget, screwing up the Konoplyanka transfer in the winter saved us 16-20M that would have been added to this summers kitty. Plus, massive commercial deals are still paying their way so I would have expected us spending iro 50M anyway. The Suarez money just helps sweeten the pot, though I don't expect us to go completely nuts.

I'm convinced the contract extension signed in December was in order to make sure we got fair value and that there was actually an intention for him to go. With that in mind, we did well to get some good business done before the world became aware we had cash to burn (a la Spurs 2013)

I love the folks saying that Liverpool screwed up by selling him early in the window, saying Liverpool should have waited until the end of August to make it official.

For reference, Spurs officially sold Bale on 9/1/13

Auger34 · Jul 11, 2014

From various sites it seems like Liverpool is in on Bony, Lovren, Moreno, and Griezmann (read Benzema on one site but it seemed less than reliable). I really just got into following the EPL, which of these targets would be the best fit/improve the team the most. It seems like Liverpool's biggest need is on the defense, are there any other players you guys would like to see targeted other than Lovren and Moreno (Ryan Bertrand doesn't seem to do much for anyone and I am not sure Ben Davies is on the level of those two)

thehitcat · Jul 12, 2014

Caulker is probably also a step down in quality though I thought he played well for a doomed Cardiff club. I've seen him with tenuous links to Liverpool in a couple of places this summer. I think the first three you list would all be excellent additions (I have not seen Moreno play but everything I have heard has been positive and to make the Spanish provisional squad for the WC at his age is telling.) Griezmann seems like a pipe dream to me and Markovic will hopefully give what he gives at a third of the price and Benzema seems like unlikely to me, more likely he ends up at a French club or in London than on Merseyside I think.

The man I was hoping they would get was Shaqiri but again it feels like they have filled that void with Markovic. Xerdan sure was good for the Swiss in the world cup and I really thought that one was going to happen but it looks like Roma moved in and we moved on.

SoxFanInCali · Jul 12, 2014

There is a 1 in 6 chance that Liverpool will be drawn into Barca's group in the Champions League.

Somehow I think UEFA will find a way to make it happen.

Gunfighter 09 · Jul 12, 2014

That means playing them at least once without Suarez, correct?

Oklahoma Jones · Jul 12, 2014

The player that I want to see them get most is Roberto Firmino. Both exceedingly talented and eminently gettable. From the stats and film I've seen on him, he has the creativity and finishing ability to replace a good part of what Suarez brought to Liverpool. Plus, he's only 22...

RSN Diaspora · Jul 12, 2014

SoxFanInPdx · Jul 12, 2014

And we do have money to spend for sure. I don't think Griezmann is pipe dream, he wants to move to the EPL and play. He'd feature at Liverpool quite a bit and watching him during the World Cup, he'd be a good fit it Rodgers system. He's just sit on the bench at Chelsea and PSG. That said, they need to get some defenders soon.

PedroSpecialK · Jul 14, 2014

Marković looks to be essentially done

now Lovren pls

Vinho Tinto · Jul 14, 2014

PedroSpecialK said:
Marković looks to be essentially done

Yes, he posted something on his personal FB account that confirmed the transfer over the weekend. A very good player who I was hoping could have stayed on for one more year.

JayMags71 · Jul 14, 2014

Vinho ,What I've read about him says he's still developing, and may be another year or two away from contributing (at least with respect to the EPL). True, untrue? Thoughts?

Vinho Tinto · Jul 14, 2014

JayMags71 said:
Vinho ,What I've read about him says he's still developing, and may be another year or two away from contributing (at least with respect to the EPL). True, untrue? Thoughts?

It's hard for me to speculate since I'm assuming that Rodgers will deploy different tactics this season. I'm assuming that whoever takes Suarez's spot will not have the same role that he had. IIRC, Suarez would primarily move between the center and right side. Markovic is at his best on the left.

Markovic is clearly still developing. Big clubs in the EPL don't allow too many young players to figure out their down forms in the first team for long. But I expect he'll contribute this season. His greatest assets in the short term are his burst of speed (He gets to top speed very quickly) and tactical versatility (You can play him wide left, right, or through the middle), however there is still a lot of room to improve in terms of tactical awareness. He can create individual goals or finish attacks, but he still isn't involved enough in developing a chance. I wonder how many tough EPL tackles it will take before he adjusts his tendency to take on defenders directly.

fletcherpost · Jul 14, 2014

Who is going to partner Lovren, if Liverpool get him? Seems to me one of the best assets a team can have is a rock solid central defensive partership that can grow/develop over a number of years. I think it's well worth spending decent money on.

Also watching Mascherano this world cup, i wish Liverpool had a player of his class and quality. Liverpool need to start thinking about life without Gerrard.

swiftaw · Jul 14, 2014

Also watching Mascherano this world cup, i wish Liverpool had a player of his class and quality. Liverpool need to start thinking about life without Gerrard.

Yeah, it was a shame that Liverpool couldn't have held into him (and Alonso).

MiracleOfO2704 · Jul 14, 2014

swiftaw said:
Yeah, it was a shame that Liverpool couldn't have held into him (and Alonso).

It makes you wonder how much and in how many different ways Hicks/Gillett cost LFC. I think Ayre just recently admitted that the clowns set them back years, but how?

PedroSpecialK · Jul 14, 2014

[QUOTE="fletcher]
Who is going to partner Lovren, if Liverpool get him? Seems to me one of the best assets a team can have is a rock solid central defensive partership that can grow/develop over a number of years. I think it's well worth spending decent money on.
[/QUOTE]
Lovren/Sakho would be very steady in my eyes. Skrtel can be cover in the CL, play against weaker opposition in the EPL, and get Cup games alongside Touré.

Agger would probably not want to stay with that role, I see him gone to Italy or perhaps Barca. Maybe even to PSG once they see how Luiz performs at CB.

fletcherpost · Jul 14, 2014

PedroSpecialK said:
Lovren/Sakho would be very steady in my eyes. Skrtel can be cover in the CL, play against weaker opposition in the EPL, and get Cup games alongside Touré.

Agger would probably not want to stay with that role, I see him gone to Italy or perhaps Barca. Maybe even to PSG once they see how Luiz performs at CB.

Sakho didn't seem too comfy on the ball. Maybe he'll improve. I remember when Utd paid Leeds a shit tonne for Ferdinand, one of the reasons was he was comfortable on the ball, good at moving forwards with it, distributing it. And then they paid money for Stam. That was a really solid partership. Then they got Vidic. If liverpool want to win titles, they can't fuck around, they need that sort of class and stability at the back. It's worth spending the money. But if I'm being honest i'm not too up to speed on who they coul get. I like Lovren, he wants a move...not sure who else is out there, but Liverpool have money...and assuming they get to the Chamion's League they'll have money plenty coming in.

JayMags71 · Jul 14, 2014

The Guardian is reporting a rumor that Liverpool is looking to bid for Marco Reus AND Romelu Lukaku. Does anyone believe there's any fire to this smoke? I'd love either one, and if they could swing both, I'd be over the moon.

SoxFanInPdx · Jul 15, 2014

JayMags71 said:
The Guardian is reporting a rumor that Liverpool is looking to bid for Marco Reus AND Romelu Lukaku. Does anyone believe there's any fire to this smoke? I'd love either one, and if they could swing both, I'd be over the moon.

That seems too good to be true. Those would be huge signings and they better do them quick if that story has even a shred of truth. Need back line help.

teddykgb · Jul 15, 2014

If Reus is available, every team in the world would be in on him. It'd cost all the Suarez money when that bidding war was complete

JayMags71 · Jul 15, 2014

And I'd be OK with that. Dude isn't going to miss big gaps of time for putting his teeth on other humans. In a perfect world.

Morgan's Magic Snowplow · Jul 15, 2014

Gianluca Di Marzio says that Benfica released the following statement regarding Markovic: "Benfica inform to have reached agreement with Liverpool for the permanent transfer of the sports rights and the 50 percent of the economic rights of Lazar Markovic for a €12.5M fee.”

I assume that means that Benfica gets half the proceeds if Markovic gets sold elsewhere. In the short term, however, it certainly makes the deal a lot cheaper for you guys than previously reported. Pretty good piece of business given his potential.

Vinho Tinto · Jul 15, 2014

That represents SLB stake in him. No future kickbacks that I've seen. His agent had the other half. He must have relinquished since EPL banned 3rd party ownership.

Morgan's Magic Snowplow · Jul 15, 2014

Vinho Tinto said:
That represents SLB stake in him. No future kickbacks that I've seen. His agent had the other half. He must have relinquished since EPL banned 3rd party ownership.

Ah, I see. So it did cost Liverpool 25M euro then, just only half to Benfica.

PedroSpecialK · Jul 15, 2014

https://mobile.twitter.com/LivEchoLFC/status/489171582095745024

So the Moreno deal looks dead.

Turn on, tune in, and drop out with another season of the José Enriqué Experience

fletcherpost · Jul 16, 2014

DLew On Roids said:
The Guardian has great reporting, but that's from the Rumour Mill, their round-up of the less savory chatter that allows their upscale readership to get all the thrills of reading the Mirror and the Metro without sullying themselves.

You're so cosmopolitan. I hope the above was composed whilst dangling an unlit cheroot from your top lip.

JayMags71 · Jul 16, 2014

Funny search result:

Stanley Steamer · Jul 16, 2014

[QUOTE="fletcher]
Sakho didn't seem too comfy on the ball. Maybe he'll improve. I remember when Utd paid Leeds a shit tonne for Ferdinand, one of the reasons was he was comfortable on the ball, good at moving forwards with it, distributing it. And then they paid money for Stam. That was a really solid partership. Then they got Vidic. If liverpool want to win titles, they can't fuck around, they need that sort of class and stability at the back. It's worth spending the money. But if I'm being honest i'm not too up to speed on who they coul get. I like Lovren, he wants a move...not sure who else is out there, but Liverpool have money...and assuming they get to the Chamion's League they'll have money plenty coming in.
[/QUOTE]I agree completely with your sentiment about defense. Liverpool play such an attack-oriented style, it's essential that they have solidity at the back. It was their Achilles' heel last year, and if they don't do something about it with their war chest, I foresee similar problems next year. I didn't see Lovren much this year, but youth plus proven track record is the right place to start.

SoxFanInCali · Jul 17, 2014

Here's the squad for the USA Tour. Pepe!

BRS BC · Jul 17, 2014

Very excited to see them against City. No Enrique. Does anyone know his status? And is Reina really returning? Is he accepting the backup role?

SoxFanInCali · Jul 17, 2014

Enrique is in there. Pepe is still under contract, but I'm sure we will be hearing about a sale/loan soon.

soxfan121 · Jul 17, 2014

SoxFanInCali said:
Here's the squad for the USA Tour. Pepe!

This would be a more useful Pepe.

5050HindSight · Jul 18, 2014

Anyone here going to the match at Fenway next week?

I'm planning on going, and really excited to see my first ever match in person.

PS- Right now I have two extra tickets in the Liverpool section. If anyone is interested in them at face value shoot me a PM.

Liverpool 2014-15: Now Is Time On Merseyside When We Dance

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