So, depending on reports, we have anywhere between 20-23 + Adam Johnson for Daniel Agger and you know that Barca is probably lurking in the background as well. Here is the dilemma. Let's say we max it and get 23 million + Johnson. In Johnson we have a young player who is not afraid to take someone on, who an create, provide width, add some goals and assists, and is a top talent. With 23 million and if you are to believe reports ( again) we can be bringing in someone like Diego Godin, Amorebieta, or Michael Dawson ( please no on that last one). Diego Godin, 13 mil to play with, and Adam Johnson...... I think that definitely strengths our team. BUT..... For once, we have one of our top players, someone who bleeds red, who loves the club, and does not want to go. With Mascher, Alonso, Torres, etc they wanted to go and got the big deals. This time we have a player who is committed to the cause! Agger provies such stability in the back, he organizes, he is comfortable on the ball, (for me) he makes Skrtel a much better player. He knows our system, knows our fans and knows what the club expects. He is also quite injury prone. You have to see where this really is a tough call. I love Daniel Agger and I want him to stay and us just go and buy Adam Johnson, Tello, Sahin, Ramirez, etc, but you have to see where what we could get from his sale could ultimately, in the long run, strengthen our squad. I know these have been done to death but let's focus on these two points 1) what we could get 2) what we would lose and which one is the most valuable to the club?
Remember that AJ would only be a loan at best, so basically we get him for 1 year, and we have to replace Agger. Given the partnership between Agger and Skertl why would we want to break that up which may result in devaluing Skertl while still having to replace Agger for 23 million quid. At best we'll end up with a so so replacement who may forge an adequate partnership and getting 3-5 million quid net, not worth it for a class act and true red.
If the reports of Godin and Amorebieta are correct, those are quality CB's at about 25 years of age and each around the 10 mil mark, leaving 13 mil to either off to Johnson at the end of the season or adding that to maybe another big buy? Trying to play Devil's advocate in all this. I think he is class but then we know about his partnership with Skrtel but if it is only effective for half a season due to injury then is it worth it?
Good collegiate team, and I think it is Tulsa Thunder, or Tulsa orange crush or something like that who used to be really good. Now back to the topic, what do you think we should do BAR, Laz, Baz, I miss Luis Garcia.
Not convinced that we know that either CB (particularly Godin whom I really don't rate) will form an effective partnership with Skertl who is currently getting a contract extension according to the Echo.
Everyone is super convinced that Adam Johnson would be a perfect fit for us... but I just can't see that. There was a time in his career where he was going to be the next big thing but that stalled a few years ago and he's never really pushed for that last leap up to the big time. Let's not forget he's 25... not exactly a kid anymore. His skill level right now is what he's going to bring us, he's not going to be getting better by much. Sure he has some good attributes for an English player but nothing that special - he's not exactly super-talented. I like how comfortable on the ball he is but at the same time, Adam is pretty comfortable on the ball as well. Charlie Adam is also only one year older than AJ. As for Agger, he's just got YNWA tattoed on his knuckles, and has a spot reserved on his body for a tattoo - "for when Liverpool win the league." The cost of selling him is massive. 1) Disruptive to the defense. Skrtel would now have to gain a relationship with whoever we bring in and for the next season at least we would have a huge disadvantage. 2) Disruptive to the team. Many players look up to Agger (from the interviews this is obvious). He's always been a role model to younger players as how to act in the shirt and how to not let the media affect you. He's not afraid to have an image of a hard tackling, no nonsense enforcer, - the Torres elbow after he left was his way of saying good riddance to him. His cool composure on the ball, indifference to having to run forwards and his willingness to shoot -these leave an impression on younger players who want to emulate the big names at the club. 3) Skrtel is ineffective without him. It's painfully obvious that Skrtel is only top class when Agger is beside him. It's partially due to their relationship (knowing when to run forward, stay back, cover his spot) and partly due to Agger's ability to quickly fix mistakes. Agger is top class beside anyone, Skrtel is only top class beside Agger. 4) Poor image of the club. Who wants to go to a club that will sell you for a profit NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU'VE PUT INTO THE CLUB? Who wants to sign for us when they have no idea where they'll be after a good season? They see Agger and his tattoo's and then see how we want to get rid of him, though he's stuck by us and they put themselves in that situation - then pick the other offer. So to clarify - what we get - money money money and a slightly above average player. what we lose - top class defender, loyal servant to the club, the respect of any footballers left who don't care about money (these are the kind we hope to attract). Not worth it.
I want agger to stay but also I want agger to fkn play. He was never going to city as he would be a huge massive risk for them. We have him already no risk for us. The guy is class but he needs to stay in one piece, something he's not had a lot of luck with. NEver going to City in a million years, cos city see a player that is good but has played a handful of games since joining Liverpool
My thoughts exactly I know he's injury prone but when he's fit he's world class (and surely just what BR would look for in a centre half). Never any guarantees whoever you bring in instead wouldn't get injuries either. The simple fact is that selling your best players rarely ends up an improved squad and especially when those players love the club they are at. My only other concern though is his contract. I think he's only got two years left hasn't he? If he won't sign a new one (or we're not willing to pay whatever he's asking) then I guess that has to be taken into consideration as well.
I think there will be a backlash if he is sold after his latest comments. Someone would have to come the other way and every single penny of the figure we get would have to spent in THIS window - and even then it would not be good enough in the majority of fans eyes (including myself). It just sends out a terrible message to others, doesn't matter if you are one of our best players and love the club - if we can make a load of money then you will be sold to whoever bids the most. It's obvious that he is injury prone but if you actually look at some of the injuries he has picked up e.g. fractured ribs, metatarsal etc he has been very unlucky as well.
I hope we sell Carroll and Cole to raise some cash, and then hopefully the board won't need to sell Agger.
No amount of money would do for me. I know that sounds crazy, but to have someone with that much passion for a club tells me that he wants to stay. One, a happy player always plays better. Two, he helps all around him, not just himself. Three, as mentioned by many others, it shows the intent (selling our best players, and doesn't matter how much you like it here, we decide if you move on.) Four, he is Agger. I repeat. He. Is. Agger. Keep him.
Daniel Agger apperances over the last 4 seasons 26,36,21 & 33. He plays enough games for us to keep him. I think it is highlighted when he is injured because we miss him so much. We can't go letting players with his talent and love for the club go.
I really don't want to see Agger go. To have that level of class and commitment dedicated to your side is just too precious to waste on a short term deal. With the speculation last night about Alonso I begin to just drool. Now I know that the Alonso thing is just romance but think about it - a side based around pure class: Reina, Agger, Alonso, Gerrard, Suarez supported by a host of other young players with the potential to reach that level and playing exactly the brand of football that Rodgers is talking about! We haven't seen that kind of class within our team for decades. Forget selling Agger to buy a lesser import. Class is permanent and we need class in the team.
Yep. We finished 8th last season ffs and the CHAMPIONS want him but he aint interested - you just don't see that from players these days, sell him and there will be war.
I hope our fans bring some banners on Saturday and show our support for him. Hopefully the board will get it through their skulls that we shouldn't be selling our best players ... and to rivals!
I'm not that pushed with adam johnson personally... he's a downing type question... is he really that good or was it the 7mil fee that made him look a bargain, is his attitude right? all unknowns. If i were offered 23mil for agger ALONE i'd seriously think about it. add johnson and its a no brainer. HOWEVER..... all the club can and would do is say ok danny boy, here's the thing you tell us. these guys will pay you double what you have got and may win you a cl or league medal this year. its a great offer but we'd like to keep you but we have to let you know its a great offer and you can talk to them if you want... 23mil = a CB and a forward... let alone getting johnson but in reality its not just that simple, we have to pay these guys wages too so we can't just bring in for one.... i'd see us letting cole go to balance this as well.... as long as its genuine quality on the way in. oh and before anyone says anything... agger = great but coates can be just as good.... if you ignore the thunderous left foot (thats not scored in 3 years) and focus on aggers brilliant defending and reall ball skills i'd say he'd be sorely missed but hey.... we have coates and he's just as good potentially.
Agreed...how many times have I moaned about modern players and the way they'll sit on a bench for cash rather than play...and here we have a player who not only wants to stay, who is not only a world class player but also one who as a centre back is about to enter the prime years of his career. I think you're right...if we sell there will be a major backlash and I suspect not only against the owners I'm afraid. It will not only impact the team but also the fans. It WILL be a massive kick in the teeth for both loyal supporters AND the few remaining loyal players. Fingers crossed this is all bullshit
I'm really looking forward to the season starting. Ok, I'm like that every season, but I do think we've made some big steps in the right direction this time. If we lost Agger I'd be much less confident about our prospects. For a few years now we've been relatively strong at the back, and although the defence has its dodgy moments I don't worry too much about it- over the length of the season we're pretty solid. If we have to bring someone in, then maybe we'll get a gem-who knows? Or maybe not. No matter how talented a player is there's no guarantee he'll fit in with a new club so we'll be back to a period of uncertainty again just as the season starts. I know our owners are businessmen but a top club makes its money by being successful and winning things. It doesn't make sound business sense to me to sell your best assets if that makes success all the more difficult.
