Liverpool have been linked with a host of big money players since finishing 4th in the Premier League. It is quite obvious as Champions League these days is the biggest lure for top players. Champions League is the biggest recognition in club football and it is understandable that big players want to be a part of it.
Now that Liverpool are almost there, with only a qualification round standing between Klopp’s men entering the group stages of the competition, we are capable of negotiating deals for some big players.
The latest name to be linked with us is Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez. The Colombian, despite his undoubted quality, has failed to nail down a place in the Madrid XI. Zidane has not given him enough game time and if the reports are to be believed, he is unhappy at Santiago Bernabeu and is looking for a move away from the Spanish giants.
He has been linked with Manchester United already (which player have they not been linked with?) and it was widely believed that they were the front-runners.
However, according to Don Balon (h/t Express), Liverpool are ready to battle their rivals for his signature. Madrid chief Florentino Perez is refusing to lower his £52m valuation for the Colombian which has proved to be stumbling block in negotiations with United. But Don Balon say Liverpool are willing to meet his price-tag.
The report also claims that James Rodriguez favours a move to Manchester United over Liverpool and that he would prefer joining Bayern Munich if the move to United fell through.
Despite the claims that he prefers United and Bayern over Liverpool, it is still possible for us to sign the attacker. Manchester United do not seem to be agreeing on a deal for James and though the player might want to join Bayern Munich (he may even wish to join aliens instead of a football club), the real point is if the club wants the player or not.
James isn’t the ultimate deciding authority to choose where he wants to play (not in the literal sense). He might be left with no option other than Liverpool either.
The Kop Times Verdict
Personally, I would not want to sign a player who has Liverpool as third-choice behind Manchester United and Bayern Munich. If he is so keen on joining United or Bayern, let him wait. And if it fails, then let him rot on the bench. This is Liverpool FC and we are not here to pick up leftovers!
Would you have James Rodriguez at Liverpool?
