24 Jun 2015 09:07:07
So, this is the end of yet another saga - Fermino. Very well played by his agent to use United and City for a better contract. What's next for United then ? Otamendi and Schweinsteiger maybe ? With an unknown striker I think ?
{Ed001's Note - he never used either in that way, he rejected City's offer, and then Liverpool came in and outbid everyone else. He is good friends with Lucas and Coutinho who had been working to convince him to join, he wanted to come to England and so was happy to take the offer, with a few guarantees about first team football. If it was about getting a better contract, he would not have signed the first one put under his nose by Liverpool, they would have negotiated it up a bit more.}
24 Jun 2015 09:22:24
Liverpool were the only team willing to meet all the criteria for the transfer. Can't pretend to say I've seen anything other than Youtube clips but the fact that we were interested (albeit at a total cost lower than requested) tells you he must be a decent player. Well done to Pool for getting it done.
24 Jun 2015 09:28:21
And what happened to United interest ?! He would have played large amount of games at United too and if his wages are payable for Pool than they are to us too. So the only reason to opt to them are Lucas and Coutinho ?!
{Ed001's Note - United never made a bid, interest was there but they never moved. I believe that is why Liverpool wrapped up the deal so quick, to make sure United didn't get the chance to jump in, as the lad wanted to play in England. Oh and don't rule out the pull of playing with your mates, it was the clincher for Coutinho, the chance to play with Lucas, over the other offers on the table for him. Lucas is a lad that people really like, he is very likeable and it is a big plus point when you are trying to sign another Brazilian.}
24 Jun 2015 10:11:57
Ziko if we wanted to sign Firmino we have had more than enough time to make a move for him so that's our fault. He's a good player and Liverpool have done a good bit of business but once again they have spent a large amount of money on a position which didn't really need strengthening for them. They need a full back, centre back and out and out striker more than another no 10/winger who can play false 9.
Firmino would have been a good signing for us but hopefully this is an indication we have faith in Januzaj, Periera and Lingard rather than paying a much higher fee than others were willing to for a player.
Liverpool have apparently given him more assurance of first team football and they've paid a higher fee.
24 Jun 2015 10:39:06
Not moving for a playmaker like Firmino means one of four things.
1) We have another, better target in mind.
2) We are signing a striker and playing Rooney as the attacking midfielder.
3) Fellaini has done well enough in LVG's eyes to keep his place (hope not).
4) Di Maria will play a central role and another winger will come in.
24 Jun 2015 09:41:31
Very good bit of business ed that lad will be a top player.
{Ed001's Note - I really hope so.}
24 Jun 2015 10:13:20
rumours the fee is around 28 million is that correct ed?
{Ed001's Note - it was certainly more than the £20m others were offering.}
24 Jun 2015 10:47:12
I will admit that being linked with Firmino in the first place was rather odd as we have plenty of talent in his role and although I don't feel he would have been our first choice, I believe be may have been Liverpool's.
I think it's a good show of ambition by the Liverpool owners and he will do well for them in my opinion. But will Sturridge be fit to gobble up the chances he creates? Will Ing's bang in a heap of goals? Will Milner really be as inspirational as the Gerrard of old? Will Coutinho score worldie after worldie next season? I don't think so.
Liverpool may be slipping into the troubles they encountered last year by signing quantity over quality. One very good player can change a game on his but can't do it all season without the right support.
24 Jun 2015 10:58:57
Ed001 just out of interest do you know how much we paid for Depay? Some sources claim around the £22m mark and others around the £28m mark. Any ideas? Just curious.
{Ed001's Note - I believe it to be around the £24m mark + clauses, such as appearances etc. Would £24m work out as 28 in Euros? Not sure of the exchange rate, because the deal was done in Euros, so that might explain the differing figures.}
24 Jun 2015 12:19:28
Was it not more a case, from what I've read from Ed01, that Liverpool were able to offer him playing guarantees, that we, or City couldn't, especially as we're over-stocked in that position just now?
If that's the case, then fair play to him for foregoing CL football. Shows it might not be the be all and end all, especially with younger players.
24 Jun 2015 12:43:02
Ok thanks mate. Sounds about right I reckon.