Rodgers told Ayre to get rid of Carroll IF and only IF he could get a replacement in before the deadline closed. Ayre OK'd the transfer and then failed to sign even Dempsey (we dodged a bullet but...). That's an issue. An experienced negotiator would not do that. Yes, we as fans are assuming a lot that has been written. But the condescending comments (direct quotes) of the Shakhtar coach indicate that we were certainly interested, and that the coach was informed of the stages of negotiation. However, if you're going to haggle over 3 or 4 million for about a month, it is to be expected that someone will swoop in and the selling club will tell you to **** off, as they've found a new buyer. Whose fault is this? If you value a player at 20m and they at 26, and you're adamant not to pay above 20, and they're adamant not to accept under 26, you won't make headway. Give up, or put up. Sure, a few rounds of negotiations is normal. Concessions must be made. But if that takes over a month and you're not still getting anywhere, then it's a waste of club resources to pursue the player. It just seemed that we were so close to the finish line, and we struggled to just step over it. Fine, if Rodgers didn't rate him at over 20m, then ok. But if Rodgers wanted him, and Ayre didn't pony up a few mil, then that's an issue. I'm not jumping to conclusions here. I'm very glad we aren't signing Mikhtaryan, as it would be Coutinho that would play less, as Gerrard and Lucas won't be kicked out yet. But I'm not happy that we can't seem to finalise transfers. I have nothing against Ian Ayre other than that he treats every signing as a personal photoshoot, but he's better suited to what he does best.
Fair enough. I'll be the first to admit I'm an idiot if it turns out to be more paper talk. But the rumours have been very, very, strong, as in Mourinho to Chelsea strong. Maybe this will kick us into gear to sign him, or maybe not.
It's hardly slander to say he's not the finest negotiator... It's not so much that he only bid 3mill, but that he was very much a part of the team who sent Carroll out on loan without getting a replacement in. I don't care if that replacement was Dempsey or someone else, but the club knew full well that he wasn't in BR's plans and we needed to buy a striker. We didn't. Part of that is down to Ayre not reaching an agreement on Dempsey, yes. My criticism wasn't as harsh as other people's and I think he's not terrible, just not the best. Hence, not the finest. I don't know why you singled out my post... Except Mkhitaryan was prepared to join us, CL football or not. We didn't want to pay the 25mill which Shakhtar wanted and Dortmund came in again prepared to pay it, so that's where he ended up going. I know we're not as attractive as other clubs right now, but we can still pull names. Mkhitaryan was one of those who would have came if we offered the asking price.
@JamesPearceEcho: #LFC have admitted defeat in their bid to sign Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Shakhtar have informed them he's on the brink of signing for Dortmund.
I will be pissed if a club of Borussias standard nick Mkhi from under our noses when he was prepared to play for a crapper club (ie us!). he was ours for the taking and it sounds like we've ****ed around with it. Can't see many other players of his quality wanting to join us, certainly not Eriksen
Right with Mhki on the brink of joining Dortmund, we now need a new player to stalk. Any suggestions?
Eriksen quotes from May: "I have read and Liverpool is definitely an option. It is also one of the clubs you'll weight higher than Amsterdam, and it's a different league and a different caliber. "It sounds very exciting, but we have to look at it if there is something I do not know if there is anything specific, and I've even talked to Daniel [Agger] about it." Make it happen Ayre.
All assumptions. Maybe Henri Ryan didn't want to burn his bridges but also wanted to keep his options open. There is a long time until the start of the season still. Plus, Dortmund ARE a better option than us at present.
Umm, couldn't disagree more. Champions league finalist, best supportee club in Europe. They have history and the German league is one of the best in the world. I think it is an easy decision for him.
