It’s time to slow down and take a deep breath now that a rather hectic summer transfer window has finally drawn to a close, racking up a record-breaking £630million Premier League spending bill in the process.
For Liverpool, it’s been a promising off-season, with a collection of astute signings from Brendan Rodgers, including the likes of Mamadou Sakho, Simon Mignolet, Luis Alberto and Victor Moses, improving the Anfield squad, while perhaps most importantly for their Champions League chances, Luis Suarez is now staying put until January at least.
But not everything has gone the Reds’ way this summer, and just to prove it, we’ve created a select XI of players the Merseyside outfit were heavily linked with this summer, but for whatever reason, never secured a deal.
Click on Shay Given to reveal the Liverpool XI they could have signed
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It’s been a turbulent weekend in Merseyside as Liverpool’s frustrating lack of activity on transfer deadline day was swiftly followed by a demoralising defeat at home to Arsenal. Fans sat glued to Sky Sports News with high expectations as they watched the senior figures of Charlie Adam, Jay Spearing and Andy Carroll vacate the club. However, they were left dejected upon learning that no new faces would be arriving and showed now mercy by venting their frustrations on online forums and social networking sites.
Clint Dempsey was widely tipped to join the Rodger’s revelation but Liverpool were only able to offer a fraction of Fulham’s relatively insignificant £6m asking price. The financial implications of the transfer spree instigated under Kenny Dalglish have quite clearly placed a hefty barricade on the clubs path to glory, but do Liverpool stand alone with their new conservative transfer policy or are they the first of many clubs about to suffer the consequences of overspending in the market?
In the aftermath of intense criticism and speculation surrounding the actions of key individuals – most notably managing director Ian Ayre – principal owner John W Henry today revealed an open letter to fans outlining his own disappointment. The lengthy statement reinforced their commitment and aspirations for the club but failed to highlight the reasons why a replacement was not bought in for Carroll, especially now Rodgers has to rely solely on the influential but hardly prolific Luis Suarez and Fabio Borini.
Henry also stated that the club are still in the “process of reversing the errors of previous regimes” and could not afford to conduct any future extravagant purchases.
“We will build and grow from within, buy prudently and cleverly and never again waste resources on inflated transfer fees and unrealistic wages.” (liverpoolfc.com)
There is also praise for the “three young, but significantly talented starters in Joe Allen, Nuri Sahin and Fabio Borini” in what he refuses to call an unsuccessful period of transfer activity. However, few could argue that these deals represent value for money, especially when compared to the business that Tottenham and even Arsenal have conducted during the window. It’s worth pointing out that Liverpool have been hampered by their continued absence from the Champions League, so what does the future hold for the members of the current ‘top 4’?
After enduring their long and humiliating stint without a trophy Arsenal look set to benefit from their shrewd transfer policy. They are one of the few sides in the league and indeed across Europe who repeatedly boasts an annual profit, meaning they will comfortably meet the requirements set by the new Financial Fair Play regulations.
“Financial Fair Play will come through because big clubs who have been spending a lot are worrying now,‘ said Wenger. ‘They ignored it until now, but finally we see that they are getting concerned.” (Daily Mail)
However their future security measures are of little consolation when the club adopts a worrying trend of selling their best players to their former rivals. In fact, they mirrored the actions of Liverpool on deadline day when Arsene Wenger failed to bring in a replacement for Alex Song despite publicly stating he would do so.
It’s a completely different story in Manchester with United shackled by their vast debt and City supporting a truly staggering wage budget. Ferguson was still able to flex his financial muscle with the purchase of Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa but was forced to return with his tail between his legs when PSG brushed them aside to sign Lucas Moura. Mancini on the other hand spent most of the window throwing his diamond-encrusted toys out of his pram before finally getting his way with the £16m purchase of Javi Garcia.
Chelsea have seemingly ignored the impending restraints on their bank account by dropping £80m over the summer to secure the likes of Eden Hazard and Oscar. However, every single new arrival has their best years ahead of them and may see Roman Abramovich take a back seat in future transfer windows, especially if Roberto Di Matteo can keep them sitting pretty at the top of the table.
John Henry alluded to a very critical point when he declared, “spending is not merely about buying talent”. There are plenty of avenues besides player acquisitions that come under the umbrella of financial investment and are excluded from the Financial Fair Play requirements. These may not bring about short-term success but will help ensure a sustainable future and few can argue that this has to be the priority.
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Just like week Michel Platini was reaffirming his intentions to be ruthless to those who do not respect the rules of the FFP before declaring, “Uefa are there to protect [the clubs], not kill them.” And judging by the recent fortunes of Portsmouth, Rangers and Malaga, the only thing they need protecting from is themselves. Liverpool and Arsenal may be the first clubs to frustrate their fans during the transfer window, but don’t expect them to be the last.
Join me on Twitter @theunusedsub where Liverpool have just announced that their new signing will wear the number 007 shirt.
The Champions League final is not for another 17 days, but Liverpool fans are already making score predictions.
The Merseyside outfit will take on Real Madrid in Kiev with the hope of claiming their sixth European Cup.
It will be a hugely tough task for Jurgen Klopp’s team as they are facing a club that are hunting for their third consecutive title in the competition.
Prior to the showdown in Ukraine, Liverpool have a rather important objective – securing Champions League football for next season.
Klopp’s side need to beat Brighton at Anfield on the final day of the season this Sunday in order to cement a place in the top four.
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Despite that fixture being the main priority at this moment, Liverpool fans have begun discussing the possible outcome in Kiev.
Most are expecting a high-scoring game, and they made that evident on Reddit while responding to Zinedine Zidane’s quotes about the final.
Comment from discussion Zidane: “I think the match against Liverpool will be an open one with many opportunities. We’ll try to give them a good fight and put them in trouble. It’s a final, it will be intense and i have no doubt it will be spectacular.”.Comment from discussion Zidane: “I think the match against Liverpool will be an open one with many opportunities. We’ll try to give them a good fight and put them in trouble. It’s a final, it will be intense and i have no doubt it will be spectacular.”.Comment from discussion Zidane: “I think the match against Liverpool will be an open one with many opportunities. We’ll try to give them a good fight and put them in trouble. It’s a final, it will be intense and i have no doubt it will be spectacular.”.Comment from discussion Zidane: “I think the match against Liverpool will be an open one with many opportunities. We’ll try to give them a good fight and put them in trouble. It’s a final, it will be intense and i have no doubt it will be spectacular.”.Comment from discussion Zidane: “I think the match against Liverpool will be an open one with many opportunities. We’ll try to give them a good fight and put them in trouble. It’s a final, it will be intense and i have no doubt it will be spectacular.”.Comment from discussion Zidane: “I think the match against Liverpool will be an open one with many opportunities. We’ll try to give them a good fight and put them in trouble. It’s a final, it will be intense and i have no doubt it will be spectacular.”.Comment from discussion Zidane: “I think the match against Liverpool will be an open one with many opportunities. We’ll try to give them a good fight and put them in trouble. It’s a final, it will be intense and i have no doubt it will be spectacular.”.
Manchester City’s summer spending spree has been confined to three players. Three English players. For a combined fee of around £65m.
Raheem Sterling, Fabian Delph and Patrick Roberts have arrived at the club this summer, though perhaps only Sterling improves their first choice eleven straight away.
Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has been linked with a move to the Manchester side, a switch that would improve the lacklustre midfield we bore witness to last year.
City’s quest for everything home grown certainly fits the Wilshere link. Though Juventus star Paul Pogba is THE centre midfielder to go out and get, Barcelona’s interest in the Frenchman is widely reported.
Should he leave the Old Lady, the Spanish giants are likely to be his next destination. For all City’s riches, they still trail behind the Blaugrana in terms of attracting players of that ilk. England star Wilshere may not be in the same class at ex-United man Pogba, but should a deal for him come to fruition, City would be getting a top class player.
Much has been made about his off the field antics, along with his injury record, but it is hard to doubt the Gunner’s class. He is an outrageously naturally gifted player, with an effortless control not often seen in English players.
His range of passing would inject a sense of guile into a midfield often found wanting. David Silva cannot do everything himself, and the marauding Yaya Toure looked less assured than even his cult-icon-like brother Kolo last year. His ability to produce long range passes to start a counter attack would suit new boy Raheem Sterling very well. Very well indeed.
Employed recently as a deep-lying playmaker for the national side, Wilshere has a wide set of abilities. Though his long passing is an undoubted strength, he possess the dribbling skills to surge further forward. The neat touches and flicks in his locker fly out of his feet when he is ghosting past oncoming defenders and creating space for team mates.
His recent Three Lions display against Slovakia showed what he can do further up the field. Sergio Aguero can look isolated at times, but the Arsenal man certainly has the quality to provide him with some top-class company.
Yaya Toure has been fantastic for the side since his arrival, but fallings out with the top bosses and a loss of form have dampened the aura surrounding the Ivory Coast international.
It seems likely he will stay another season, but should he not perform – Wilshere is the perfect replacement. He may not be as physically imposing as Toure, but offers a similar drive and energy.
Placed next to any one of Fernando, Fernandinhio or Fabian Delph, the Arsenal number 10 can excel. His defensive aptitude may be nothing to write home about at this stage in his career, but it is important to remember he is not yet 23-years-old.
That awareness will come, especially if he continues lining up at the base of a diamond for England, but only if he keeps the focus on football. Besides, you don’t pay a rumoured £40m for someone with the vision of Wilshere and keep him contained infront of the back four.
He often seems to be one-step ahead of the game, and combined with other quality players, can create moments of magic like the stunning team goal against Norwich two seasons ago.
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The silky midfielder brings with him a tenacity you may not expect from such a gifted footballer. The all action approach is perfect for this aging City side.
Like him or not, Wilshere is a top class player. Any deal to bring him to Manchester is of course a gamble, but one with a huge pay off. Injury problems are difficult to plan for, but the man’s class is unquestionable.
The fact he is a home grown talent only makes him more appealing. Should he focus on football, he may one day be considered in the highest of regards.
The draw for the semi-final promised the allure of a flare filled Spanish final or a pragmatic, utilitarian Teutonic tangle. In the end the semis provided several shocks that no one in their wildest imagination could have foreseen.
Borussia Dortmund faced Ronaldo and co at the Westfalenstadion in a clash of efficient and cohesive team ethic versus one man plus very experienced back up that was more than used to Champions` League semi-finals though little beyond that.
Reus gave early notice of Dortmund`s attacking prowess with a shot that Lopez could only parry into the path of Lewandowski but the Pole failed to net the rebound. It was the striker`s last error on a night when he rewrote the Champions` League record books against the club that holds most of them.
Not only did he become the first player to register a Champions` League hat-trick against Real Madrid but he is the first to claim a semi-final treble in the competition. He went one better by adding a fourth to set a record that may never be bettered.
Eight minutes after his earlier failure to capitalise Lewandowski escaped the shackles of Pepe to convert Gotze`s cross at the far post.
With Sven Bender having a blinder in midfield, blunting almost every Madrid attack before it could get going by winning the ball tenaciously, the signs were not good for Jose Mourinho`s men who were involved in a third consecutive CL semi final under the Special One.
Varane tripped Reus but the referee waved away Dortmund penalty claims and inside a minute Ronaldo levelled with his 50th Champions` League goal after a poor Hummels` back pass. An interval score line of 1-1 seemed to indicate Real had weathered the storm but Dortmund carved out a second goal five minutes after the restart when Reus played Lewandowki in to make it 2-1.
Five minutes later the Polish striker was even more impressive when Schmeizer`s miss hit shot fell to him and after a sublime touch to control the ball and drag it away from Pepe Lewandowki completed his historic hat-trick with an unstoppable drive into the top corner.
With the home fans baying for their heroes to at least match the previous evening Bayern tally against Barcelona Dortmund duly obliged and Alonso served up a gift when he up ended Reus in the penalty area and who else but Lewandowski was going to complete a night of personal triumph by converting from 12 yards.
Apart from Lewandowski`s personal achievements on the night the result was the worst ever endured by Jose Mourinho in 106 Champions` League games.
The only blemish on the night for Jurgen Klopp was the flimsiest of lifelines offered by Ronaldo`s landmark away goal. In the post match euphoria of one of the great European nights not enough praise went the way of Dortmund `keeper Roman Weidenfeller. Had he not denied Ronaldo in the dying seconds the second leg would have been less of a cake walk than some anticipated.
Real began the second leg with evident belief that they could overturn a three goal deficit and in the first period carved out more than enough really good openings to have wiped out and surpassed Dortmund`s advantage. Higuain was the main culprit, his mind seemingly elsewhere other than the Madrid capital that night. Unfortunately Madrid wasted all their chances. Some observers may have thought the men in all white were unfazed by their profligacy in front of goal believing they would go on creating until the visitors` defence was breached and then the floodgates would open. Realists knew that as the list of unconverted openings grew so Real`s chance of reaching the final diminished.
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Not surprisingly Real could not maintain their opening onslaught but even the ball boys at the Bernabeau were at warp speed to ensure the ball reached their heroes as quickly as possible.
Then with ten minutes remaining, when many neutrals had probably switched off, the home side went into a distinctly non Real mode. They threw everything at Dortmund including caution to the wind, even throwing that died-in-the-wool `they shall not pass` defender Sergio Ramos up front as a makeshift centre forward.
When Benzema pulled a goal back with seven minutes remaining and then Ramos showed himself to be two or three shades better than a `make shift` striker with a rare goal, the unbelievable looked likely. One more goal would do it.
But Dortmund were not to be denied. Perhaps driven by the prospect of rubbing Bavarian noses even more into the ground at Wembley Klopps men prevailed despite a first Champions` League defeat of the season.
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Arsenal are considering selling Theo Walcott, after negotiations over a new contract with Arsene Wenger broke down according to The Telegraph.
The England international is in the last year of his current deal at the Emirates Stadium, and after watching Robin van Persie demand a transfer elsewhere in the same situation could well leave north London.
The winger is currently earning around £60,000 per week, and the Gunners have offered him a raise up to £75,000 per week.
However, it is believed that Walcott is standing firm for about £100,000 per week, a figure that Arsene Wenger will not part with.
Due to the lack of a solution, Walcott may well be sold before the transfer window closes at the end of the week, with Manchester City and Liverpool accredited with an early interest in the attacker.
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Should Walcott leave he will be the latest in a long line of Gunners players that have negotiated their way out of the club due to an expiring contract.
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has been stealing most of the headlines this season for his incredible form in front of goal.
Despite not being a striker, the wide-man has managed to score 43 goals in 46 games in all competitions, and currently has a four-goal advantage at the top of the charts in the Premier League.
The 25-year-old pipped Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne to PFA Player of the Year, and is now one game away from potentially reaching the Champions League final.
Even though Salah has been Liverpool’s goal machine, there is another figure in the team that has been crucial in the scintillating displays.
Roberto Firmino so often has gone under the radar, but this season he has shined by perfecting the false 9 role.
The Brazilian – valued at £45m by Transfermarkt – has contributed with 26 goals and 13 assists in 48 appearances in all competitions, and is arguably one of the hardest-working players in the Liverpool team.
Not only is Firmino an important component of Klopp’s forward line, he also tracks back and puts in some decent tackles to snatch back possession.
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At the weekend, the 26-year-old committed his future to Liverpool by signing a new long-term deal which led us to ask you whether Firmino is more important to the team than goal-hungry Salah.
Interestingly, the majority of supporters have suggested that the Brazilian’s absence would be felt much more than if Salah were to leave.
Adnan Januzaj was arguably one of the few bright sparks of the miserable David Moyes administration at Manchester United.
In a season where his team struggled, the then 18-year-old took responsibility and along with David de Gea was one of the only players to come out of that nightmare campaign with a better reputation than when it started.
He was managed well by the Scot, used sparingly but still often enough to have a genuine breakthrough season. In his 27 appearances he scored four goals and created countless more; it seemed that United had found their new talisman and he was destined to truly take his place at the top of European football.
12 months later and the Belgian’s career has stalled. From being the new Ronaldo he is now a man on the peripheries under Louis van Gaal. Rather than trusted as a winger he has been shunted around the team, a square peg in an ever growing number of different round holes; right back, left back, central midfield, number ten and a striker, to name a few.
[ffc-gal cat=”manchester-united” no=”5″]
The signing of Angel Di Maria always meant it would be difficult for the 20-year-old to command the same sort of consistent role he had enjoyed in the season previous. However, as United’s ever growing injury list continued to extend, he still finds himself no closer to being part of Van Gaal’s plans.
Whether the Dutchman simply doesn’t rate Januzaj or whether he feels other players suit his team more; Van Gaal is clearly not sold on the Belgian. Never was this made clearer than in their home defeat to West Brom; with United chasing the game and needing to break down a resolute Albion, the manager decided that his enigmatic winger was better off sitting on the bench than influencing the game.
It is now four months since his first start and he is now beginning to struggle to get any playing time at all, even finding himself behind the much maligned Ashley Young in the wide man pecking order.
With the signing of Memphis Depay it seems that Januzaj could find his time even more limited at Old Trafford in the coming season, from a man who Gary Neville predicted could be “one of the best players in the world”, it has been a chastening season.
Even in his limited opportunities, he seems a shell of a player that sparkled last term, whether his attacking instincts are being curbed by his pragmatic manager is unknown, but something is certainly awry.
With rumours circulating United were interested in using him as part of the Depay deal, he is clearly not high on their list of priorities. After being given the famous number 11 jersey of Ryan Giggs last summer it seemed for all the world that the stage was set for a new star to take centre stage but he is still stood in the rafters, waiting to make his real entrance.
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If 2014 was a year of hype and excitement surrounding Januzaj, 2015 is one of frustration and missed opportunities. Unless things change 2016 could prove to be his last in a United shirt.
It was nice while it lasted, but the dream is over…
It was always unlikely that Millwall would make the F.A. Cup final by beating Wigan, but you of course go into the game full of hope. But goals from Shaun Maloney and Callum Mcmanaman secured the Premier League side a final place and a Europa League spot.
It was clear to see KJ’s plan for the game was to try and sit back, hold them off and try and beat them on the counter attack. It was so obvious to see, a tackle wouldn’t go in before Wigan reached the half way line, and a three man centre midfield of a defensive midfielder, and 2 defenders said it all.
All I wanted from the game was the players to give it their all, and make sure Wigan know they’ve been in a battle for their win but first half we didn’t really get that, we gave Wigan far too much respect. In the second half the Lions came out and went for it, for a good 25 minutes there was only one team in it. We tried our best but Premier League class showed through.
I’m still extremely proud of this team for getting that far.
Yet again the result will be overshadowed by the scumbag minority few. It was shown on ESPN that Millwall fans were fighting each other during the game. What was shown was frankly disgusting and anyone who was involved should be banned, making children cry because you want to be a big man isn’t smart or clever.
But, lets remember before the whole “Millwall are scum” routine comes out (Most likely too late) that this was a very small minority, 12 fans were arrested after the events.
So 0.03% of “fans” represent the support at Wembley as a whole? I don’t think so. And I bet you anything that the majority, if not all of the idiots involved in this will not have been at Tuesday nights game against Watford.
After speaking to people who were sitting in the block where this happened, this needs to be asked, where were the police? People were shouting out for the police to get involved, but they did not and they let these troubles happen for a good 15-20 minutes before arriving, surely if they did get involved when it was first needed, maybe it would not have descended into what it did?
Also, the coverage this got was over the top, front pages calling all fans “scum” and saying Millwall fans “shame the country”, a bit over the top?
And lets look at what happened at Newcastle on Sunday, more then double the arrests than at Wembley, but what was the front page of the mirror Monday morning? Millwall of course… Yes Newcastle got a mention, but not the coverage it should have. There’s two reasons for this, one is that you don’t damage the Premier League “Brand” and that it seems to be when it comes to football, the main thing is “No Millwall, No Problem”
Back to matters on the pitch, and after yesterday’s results the Lions now find themselves only 4 points clear of the drop zone, with two games in hand, but they’re at home, we are absolutely terrible at home.
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We somehow managed to get a win against Watford at the Den, on another day they would win 4-0 to the visitors. But luck was on our side as Shaun Batt scored the winner. It couldn’t have happened to anyone else more deserving. Nearly retiring a couple of years back, he’s now played at Wembley and starting to get Championship first team football.
It’s going to be close with any of up to seven teams looking at the trapdoor next season. But to be honest avoiding defeat against Huddersfield Saturday should see us safe.
With Michael Carrick set to retire at the end of the season to join the Manchester United coaching staff, Jose Mourinho will be tasked with choosing a new club captain to replace him.
Antonio Valencia has deputised for much of the season but the former Inter manager looks set to embark on a defensive overhaul in the summer, which might see the former Wigan man lose his starting place.
Paul Pogba is another who may have been in the frame long-term but his fractious relationship with Mourinho may well jeopardise those plans, and he could even depart the club during the summer.
United’s fans are clear on who they want the armband to be handed to; David de Gea. With Real Madrid constantly lurking in the background, they want the club to do anything they can to convince the Spanish international to stay.
We’ve taken a look as the Reds fans make their mind up…