But then we would have too many surely? Plus, why spend for the sake of it? Why not go for a loan instead?
With Isco Id even be happy to pay now,and let Malaga keep him for rest of season..........hes that good
I've not seen Isco play, I've not seen that much of Eriksen either, but I have read enough about them to know that they are the next level of player we should be aiming for. IMO, we have a decent squad now that needs to improve in quality rather than quantity. I want to see us push on and make one or two quality signings that would push us towards the CL. If that isn't until the summer then so be it but there is zero point in spending money on players for the now if this is the intention. The only reason we should spend now is if (a) we absolutely have to because of numbers; or (b) a top player {aka Sneijder} becomes available.
We're building for the future - a couple more additions in this window will improve our squad and then we can really build in the summer. Coutinho is definitely a player who can improve us in my opinion. I think we're more likely to go for Eriksen in the summer who is a natural number 10 whereas Coutinho is better out on the wing. Beauty of it, is that Rodgers is bringing in versatile players who can play across the line and in different positions. Eriksen and Isco are top class prospects in world football who are now reaching a stage in their careers where they may need to step up - similar to Torres and Suarez before we signed them. Coutinho is behind them at this moment in time but I feel that we could be saying the same thing about him in 2 years time.
So you are saying we are a stepping stone? TBH, I don't know much if anything about this Coutinho so you may be right, I just feel we have a decent squad full of potential and we need to sign players that are going to improve the team now!
8m for a highly rated Brazilian 20 year old, with CL experience and has played in a top team in Serie A. It's a no brainer, really. If Rodgers is confident that he can add some quality to our squad then get the lad in. It's all well and good waiting 'til the Summer, but right now we're in with a shout for the top four. Perhaps not a big shout, but adding quality certainly helps our chances.
No - what I'm saying is that Isco and Eriksen are at a level where they'll be commanding fees of £20m plus with a host of Champions League clubs after him and willing to offer big wages. That's a market where we'll struggle to compete in (at this moment in time). Coutinho could have the potential to reach that level in a couple of years time. So why spend £20m plus for the player when he's 'made it' when we could take the risk now and save money? (Obviously it is a risk, but for £8m, I think it's worth it).
I understand what you are saying Jimmy, I just have concerns about buying more "potential" rather than someone for the now that can help us push for the top four this season. (see here for my views on that)
Alright, Inter season ticket holder and Hull City fan in peace and just thought I'd chip in on Coutinho. Ive seen him play many, many times and I have honestly yet to see him even have anything approaching a 'good game'. He's turgid, his only asset is he is quick and I'd be cock-a-hoop to get rid. If we can ditch him, Wes and Alvarez this window it will have been the best month for Interista since the treble. In short, he's not even as good as Downing and you'd be better off with Ince. All the best.
Cheers for the insight Obviously people have different opinions but I appreciate the input of someone that's seen him fairly regularly
You're welcome. He arrived with high hopes as we had an ageing team (THE oldest squad per average in the whole of UEFA when we won the treble) and we needed some fresh, young legs and he's certainly got them. He just doesnt know what do with the bits stuck on the end of them...
8 million for another bloody potential! Coutinho barely featured for Inter, even while Sneijder had gone AWOL. And we planning on shelling out 8million for a reserve. A loan makes more sense. Isco or Eriksen should be our priority and i definitely think we could pull it off, the former has a 16mill buyout clause, the latter's contract runs up in 2014. Not alot of top teams out there who could offer them first team football. they'd be pretty stupid to join Chelsea or City over us. we don't have to spend money just for sake of it, unless someone's going to come in and have an immediate impact. just saw the news that Newcastle has had their 6million offer accepted for Mapou Yanga Mbiwa, brilliant player and would be quite a bloody coup if they managed to sign him, especially when teams like Barca,Milan and Arsenal were atfer him last summer. We need to sign Carr.
Two years ago, Coutinho was almost what Isco and Eriksen are seen as now. The latter two are arguably ahead at this stage, but Coutinho was above both in 2010. Hopefully, with the right guidance, he can get back up there again.
Guillem Balague ‏@GuillemBalague Liverpool and Coutinho are hopeful it will happen.The player is very excited about move! Fee close to be agreed but not yet. Hope it happens
Guillem Balague ‏@GuillemBalague Liverpool and Coutinho are hopeful it will happen.The player is very excited about move! Fee close to be agreed but not yet. Hope it happens
Past glories mean absolutely nothing. Right now he can't even make it to Inter's first team, His confidence is dented and the price is just way too much for a reserve. Besides do we really need him. Hendo is doing a brilliant job lately, why not let him build on it, there's also Allen who play's the AMC role. Why pay 8 million for a possible 3rd choice. His other prefered role is the LW, which is Suarez's new position . And there's Sterling,Suso and Borini aswell. We don't need another 'potential'. Not for 8million!
Suarez is versatile. He'd be equally effective playing on the right or as a number 10. And Coutinho gives us options. We don't have many GOOD wide options at the moment. Its Sturridge/Suarez + Sterling, Borini or Downing. One is a talented but inconsistent teenager, one is just a ****house who only shows up if we are 2 goals or more up and the other one is more of a goalscorer and a totally different player to Coutinho.
Forget statistics and analysis. I pick ince. Why? Well the "inho" suffix means "little" so that means Coutinho must be a little cout.
