Good thinking Batman I wouldn't mind Cole but I feel there are two good young full backs in Moreno and Roridguez who should be our priority.
Budget may be the consideration. If he's on a free- even if he's on a large wage- on a one or two year contract his total cost of ownership would probably be less than buying a younger player of similar quality. If for example, Rodgers has 6 positions he wants to improve- and can spend money in four- and get cheaper temporary options in a couple of others- then players like Cole- might not be what we want right now, but as a stop gap to be replaced in the future, might not be so bad. I agree, don't really want Cole, but I'm not the one watching Liverpool's bottom line. (hence, won't lambast the club if sign him) Based on the above, Rodriquez definitely is portrayed as the better option. I'm not worried about his number of long balls... it shows he is capable of them when necessary (and we do use them strategically- we're not the Tika Takka that journalists like to claim we are)... we're not long-ball merchants, but we definitely, as a team, know how and when to use them. It doesn't mean that a player like Rod would have to use them, or even be encouraged to use them in large numbers. You can tell a player... "hey, don't hit so many long balls" that's a tactic thing- not necessarily a player trait, so unfair of article to penalize him on that. Disposessions too is a grey area. If he is disposed more because he is playing a more risky attacking style (as suggested in article) then unfair to compare him to someone playing a more conservative defensive style. I haven't seen all the defenders mentioned here play- so I can't make a truly educated or informed decision- the numbers seem to point to Rodriquez though- despite his two defecit areas.
Agree about that but a quick simple calculation: Player A on £120k per week for three years with a £3m signing on fee = £21.72m Player B on £80k per week for three years and transfer of £9m = £21.48m Ashley Cole is not a cheaper option (signing on fee is a guess and I feel I was being generous too, Joe Cole's signing on fee was about £5m!)
I heard on the rumour mill ( don't know where the rumour mill is like) that Patrice Evra is in talks with Liverpool at the moment.
I watch quite a bit of Bundesliga and he's definitely one of the standout performers IMO (along with Firmino who we should definitely be targeting as well!). It's rare that you find a full back that can attack and defend, he's the complete package. The incredible thing is that he is only 21 with so much potential.
Ashley Cole is 33. We won't be signing him on a 3 year contract. At most a 2 year contract. Most likely a 1 year rolling contract if we sign him. Goodness gracious I hope not... can't stand that man!
Yes... but comparatively it's cheap- and may make money for other positions- so we can spend more in 12 months and get a better option then. If we've got £40mil budget (example) - spend £20mill on a striker. and have £20mill for a midfielder and a full back- I'd rather do a) Buy Quality "expensive" midfielder, and deal with relative cheap Cole for 1 years- and next summer replace him with a quality midfielder. instead of b) Buy a mediocre midfielder and a mediocre left back.
Cole is far from a cheap option - his signing on fee will make sure of that. I doubt his agent's services will be cheap either. This isn't counting his basic wage either. He would be a very expensive, but safe, stop gap for a year or two. I'd rather us pay 12mill for a promising LB on a far lower wage (like those listed in this thread) who'd be cheaper and far better for the long term.
I too would prefer us signing someone younger and better if we have the money. I think you over-estimate Cole's ability to request a wage. It's not like there are lots of teams circling for him. He can't snap his fingers and demand a £10million signing on fee or something ridiculous. If he was in high demand- he could get away with a lot- but it doesn't sound like anyone but us are being linked with him- which would put us in the driving seat. (unless there are others keeping quiet) I definitely wouldn't go for him if he ended up costing a lot... but I don't think he is any position to request too much. He can take what is offered or retire.
Thats not taking wages into account. If only it were that simple, it always makes me laugh when the media claim manager A, B or C has X, Y or Z to spend, its ridiculous. There is no way a club says to a manager "you have £40m to spend but don't worry about wages", it just doesn't happen. Each and every player signed is a package that includes transfer fee, signing on fee, wages, agent fees, etc, etc.
Fine, make the wage £75k per week and give him a £1m signing on fee. couldn't give a **** TBH, it was an example to show Cole wouldn't be a "cheap option" since players are signed as a package and not just a transfer fee.
Just being pedantic I agree, just because someone is free, doesn't make them good value when you take into account everything else. If we got Cole he'd be good for a season or two max, and that's assuming he hasn't lost hunger for the game now he's been dropped from Chelsea and from England. Would much rather take more of a risk an invest in a younger option that could be here and be playing for the next 5 years or so.
Question; as any player won the league with three different clubs before? Could be the motivation he needs if he were to join.
Kolo nearly did it We don't know the real Cole well enough to make that call. Is he motivated by that desire or is he after a final pay cheque? I guess that's what Rodgers' would have to judge if they were to have a face to face meeting.
I just think signing Cole would leave us in the **** in a year when Enrique and Cole are deemed not good enough. Neither have had a great recent injury record either.
Still have Flanno How demoralising for Cole if he lost out to a RB when he moved to us after losing his place at Chelsea to one as well
