Author Topic: Albert Riera - Deal Agreed?... (Read 91596 times)

MagicB8all · « **Reply #600 on:** August 25, 2008, 01:47:56 PM »

Quote from: McmanaMark on August 25, 2008, 01:05:12 PM

Why?

Surely it would just stunt Lucas's development and push him down the pecking order? Not to mention Plessis, who himself is left footed.

Given the versatility of that five (Masch & Plessis defensive, Xabi central, Gerrard attacking, Lucas utility) I'd say that's enough.

really depends on whether Plessis can grow into a box to box CM - using 2 holding midfielders all the time reduces our cutting edge. If Plessis can develop then he can take over the role expected for Barry - but it wont be this season.

MagicB8all · « **Reply #601 on:** August 25, 2008, 01:53:51 PM »

Quote from: Macedonian_Red on August 25, 2008, 01:31:52 PM

Well, in many cases, the "OK" bird can give you an unforgettable experience ...

one that has you visiting the Dr !

the example sounds like game theory. You approach the pretty girl, fail and then the ok looker spurns you, ( no one wants to be 2nd choice)
or you work out you have more chance with the ok bird approach her first and get the unforgetable experience

My view, you're probably in the wrong bar

Drunknmunky · « **Reply #602 on:** August 25, 2008, 01:55:43 PM »

Quote from: Fordy on August 25, 2008, 01:03:30 PM

Strong rumours that Everton have signed SWP.

Looks like Riera is ours if we want him.

Shame for 10m I would rather SWP.

Heard that too last night, don't beieve it like.

JOYRO · « **Reply #603 on:** August 25, 2008, 01:56:16 PM »

SWP just signed for Everton, that will probably mean they know they're out of the race for Riera.

gingerhair · « **Reply #604 on:** August 25, 2008, 01:59:00 PM »

Link?

JOYRO · « **Reply #605 on:** August 25, 2008, 02:06:59 PM »

Quote from: gingerhair on August 25, 2008, 01:59:00 PM

Link?

The reliable link is not available any longer so maybe I was to fast. It's just some supportersites that says that he has signed for Everton, a Chelsea site actually.

maqu006 · « **Reply #606 on:** August 25, 2008, 02:07:49 PM »

Liverpool & Everton: Riera transfer update

I have spoken with sources close to Albert Riera who have told me that the player "could not be trying any harder than he is to make the move to Liverpool happen." With Anfield therefore clearly the player's first choice, the same sources also said that Albert knows "he will learn a lot from Benitez and he knows how serious the Liverpool manager is, although he knows he is going to have to work very hard."

It would appear, then, that if Liverpool match Everton's offer, Albert Riera will be joining the red half of Merseyside. The player himself believes that things could be sorted out by as early as Tuesday.

Of course, whether or not Liverpool do increase their offer remains to be seen, and Rafa Benitez believes that Espanyol are taking advantage of the rival bid from Everton to increase the transfer fee.

The Espanyol president is unsure about selling the winger at all: after all, we are talking about a player who has been described by an authoritative source at the Barcelona club as being "the best winger in Europe - when he plays well." Understandably, the Espanyol president is therefore concerned as to how the transfer will be received by the club's supporters.

However, there are other key figures at Espanyol who are keen for the sale to go ahead as they are aware that Riera is very unhappy at the club - and he is the kind of player who, when he is unhappy, his form suffers terribly. Furthermore, they have already lined up a replacement: a young South American talent who they feel sure will multiply in value over the next few seasons.

Ballague

jfc · « **Reply #607 on:** August 25, 2008, 02:10:25 PM »

well the espanyol president's had his say -

The Espanyol president was adamant that he would not let the highly-rated wideman leave on the cheap and stated that any bids below their valuation would not even be considered.

Liverpool and Everton have both been strongly linked with a move for the former Real Mallorca left-sided midfielder, but Sánchez Llibre would not confirm if they had made the offers.

"Both the bids do come from English clubs," the Blanc i Blau supremo told reporters. "We are ready to defend out interests.

"We will not be selling any of our players for less than the amount that we believe they are worth. If anyone wants Albert Riera then they will have to pay what Espanyol wants."

Luis García has also been the subject of interest from other clubs wit Benfica having held fruitless talks with Espanyol and Sánchez Llibre thinks that the deal is off.

"The possible transfer of Luis García to Benfica has been stopped," he said. "While the Riera business is in the final stages.

"If someone was to leave though, it could all be dealt with within 24 hours."

McmanaMark · « **Reply #608 on:** August 25, 2008, 02:13:21 PM »

Quote from: Magic8Ball on August 25, 2008, 01:47:56 PM

really depends on whether Plessis can grow into a box to box CM - using 2 holding midfielders all the time reduces our cutting edge. If Plessis can develop then he can take over the role expected for Barry - but it wont be this season.

I look at it this way...

If we play wide players with less cutting edge who'll also track back, like Kuyt and Benayoun, then we need additional thrust from central mid to bring the balance. This is where Barry would have been ideal, and the gauntlet Alonso is going to have to take on, by the looks of it.

If we play a higher attacking line with more dynamic wingers like Riera and Babel, who won't track back as much, then both of the two deep-lying centre mids need to have a defensive focus in order to cover the gaps. In this respect, Plessis's development is ideal.

Losing out on Barry and going instead for Riera is going to give us the option to play the second style if needed. I see Plessis as integral to that, and as cover for Mascherano in the first approach.

He certainly doesn't need to grow into a box-to-box player. We've Lucas for that.

JOYRO · « **Reply #609 on:** August 25, 2008, 02:13:37 PM »

Then Riera will be signing for us tomorrow then...Shanks can you bring some light into this.

Easy · « **Reply #610 on:** August 25, 2008, 02:14:31 PM »

All Spanish club president's think their players are worth £20 million. They've got more hot air than a hot air balloon.

Sarge · « **Reply #611 on:** August 25, 2008, 02:17:08 PM »

I think Everton have got him.

Football CRAZY · « **Reply #612 on:** August 25, 2008, 02:17:52 PM »

Looking forward to this signing. Prefer him to Downing definately.

FranklyRed · « **Reply #613 on:** August 25, 2008, 02:19:02 PM »

Quote from: Magic8Ball on August 25, 2008, 01:47:56 PM

really depends on whether Plessis can grow into a box to box CM - using 2 holding midfielders all the time reduces our cutting edge. If Plessis can develop then he can take over the role expected for Barry - but it wont be this season.

Lucas is the box to box player and stand in for Gerrard. He played that way for Gremio, was Brazilian player of the year and Rafa was quoted this year that Lucas should from now on play this way... moving more forward and turn up more in front of goal.

Football CRAZY · « **Reply #614 on:** August 25, 2008, 02:19:02 PM »

Quote from: Sarge on August 25, 2008, 02:17:08 PM

I think Everton have got him.

No chance, player has his heart set on us. Only way I could see him signing for Everton is a last minute thing on the 1st of Sep if our deal stalls.

USC19Babel · « **Reply #615 on:** August 25, 2008, 02:20:43 PM »

I'd like to see him sign for us, I think he could be a good player.

Also, it would mean an end to all this ongoing talk of who might be coming in.

Still have to ship out Pennant and Voronin though...

JackWard33 · « **Reply #616 on:** August 25, 2008, 02:21:18 PM »

Does anyone whose seen him play think he can be the step up in attacking wing forwards quality we desperately need?

I'm worried this is yet another in a long long list of attacking midfielder signings of decent but not great wide/attacking mid players
I hate to be on a downer when he hasn't arrived and I'm sure he'll be fine but this gap in our squad has existed since macmanaman left and its mystifying we haven't solved the problem and we still play fixtures like Saturday when our team looks so lacking in guile or penetration

Liverbird 2010 · « **Reply #617 on:** August 25, 2008, 02:25:27 PM »

Cant believe we didnt buy David Silva he would have come here if we had bid. Gutted

Wewonit5times · « **Reply #618 on:** August 25, 2008, 02:27:36 PM »

Quote from: Lyndsey_LFC on August 25, 2008, 02:25:27 PM

Cant believe we didnt buy David Silva he would have come here if we had bid. Gutted

He would have? He's spent all summer saying he doesnt want to leave Spain.

Sarge · « **Reply #619 on:** August 25, 2008, 02:28:09 PM »

Quote from: JackWard33 on August 25, 2008, 02:21:18 PM

Does anyone whose seen him play think he can be the step up in attacking wing forwards quality we desperately need?

I'm worried this is yet another in a long long list of attacking midfielder signings of decent but not great wide/attacking mid players
I hate to be on a downer when he hasn't arrived and I'm sure he'll be fine but this gap in our squad has existed since macmanaman left and its mystifying we haven't solved the problem and we still play fixtures like Saturday when our team looks so lacking in guile or penetration

My sentiments too.

kingmonkey007 · « **Reply #620 on:** August 25, 2008, 02:31:49 PM »

Quote from: Lyndsey_LFC on August 25, 2008, 02:25:27 PM

Cant believe we didnt buy David Silva he would have come here if we had bid. Gutted

He will never leave Spain.

Quote

"I have no desire to play in England," "My club know my decision and it will not change." - David Silva few weeks ago

Quote

"Silva doesn't want to play in England because he is happy at Valencia.

"His family are settled and if he was to move it would only be to another Spanish club, like Real Madrid or Barcelona." - Silva's agent last week

shame really.

Latino Heat · « **Reply #621 on:** August 25, 2008, 02:36:28 PM »

he signed a new contract a few weeks ago.

rocco · « **Reply #622 on:** August 25, 2008, 02:47:37 PM »

Espanyol - Riera will cost you
President determined to get full asking price for winger
By Lucas Brown Last updated: 25th August 2008

Espanyol president Daniel Sanchez Llibre has told all clubs interested in signing Albert Riera that they will have to pay the full asking price after confirming that two sides had made contact.

Sanchez Llibre has been adamant that he will not let the highly-rated wide man leave on the cheap and stated that any bids below their valuation would not even be considered.

Liverpool and Everton have both been strongly linked with a move for the former Manchester City loanee, but Sanchez Llibre would not confirm if they had made the offers.

Defending interests
"Both the bids do come from English clubs," the Blanc i Blau supremo told reporters. "We are ready to defend our interests.

"We will not be selling any of our players for less than the amount that we believe they are worth.

"If anyone wants Albert Riera then they will have to pay what Espanyol wants."

Luis Garcia has also been the subject of interest from other clubs with Benfica having held fruitless talks with Espanyol and Sanchez Llibre thinks that the deal is off.

He added: "The possible transfer of Luis Garcia to Benfica has been stopped, while the Riera business is in the final stages.

"If someone was to leave though, it could all be dealt with within 24 hours."

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11669_4047635,00.html

What is their full asking price . ? thought it was 16-19 million ?

rocco · « **Reply #623 on:** August 25, 2008, 02:48:31 PM »

Liverpool & Everton: Riera transfer update

http://www.guillembalague.com/rumores_desp.php?id=68

I have spoken with sources close to Albert Riera who have told me that the player "could not be trying any harder than he is to make the move to Liverpool happen." With Anfield therefore clearly the player's first choice, the same sources also said that Albert knows "he will learn a lot from Benitez and he knows how serious the Liverpool manager is, although he knows he is going to have to work very hard."

It would appear, then, that if Liverpool match Everton's offer, Albert Riera will be joining the red half of Merseyside. The player himself believes that things could be sorted out by as early as Tuesday.

Of course, whether or not Liverpool do increase their offer remains to be seen, and Rafa Benitez believes that Espanyol are taking advantage of the rival bid from Everton to increase the transfer fee.

The Espanyol president is unsure about selling the winger at all: after all, we are talking about a player who has been described by an authoritative source at the Barcelona club as being "the best winger in Europe - when he plays well." Understandably, the Espanyol president is therefore concerned as to how the transfer will be received by the club's supporters.

However, there are other key figures at Espanyol who are keen for the sale to go ahead as they are aware that Riera is very unhappy at the club - and he is the kind of player who, when he is unhappy, his form suffers terribly. Furthermore, they have already lined up a replacement: a young South American talent who they feel sure will multiply in value over the next few seasons.

maqu006 · « **Reply #624 on:** August 25, 2008, 02:51:53 PM »

Quote from: rocco on August 25, 2008, 02:48:31 PM

Liverpool & Everton: Riera transfer update

http://www.guillembalague.com/rumores_desp.php?id=68

I have spoken with sources close to Albert Riera who have told me that the player "could not be trying any harder than he is to make the move to Liverpool happen." With Anfield therefore clearly the player's first choice, the same sources also said that Albert knows "he will learn a lot from Benitez and he knows how serious the Liverpool manager is, although he knows he is going to have to work very hard."

It would appear, then, that if Liverpool match Everton's offer, Albert Riera will be joining the red half of Merseyside. The player himself believes that things could be sorted out by as early as Tuesday.

Of course, whether or not Liverpool do increase their offer remains to be seen, and Rafa Benitez believes that Espanyol are taking advantage of the rival bid from Everton to increase the transfer fee.

The Espanyol president is unsure about selling the winger at all: after all, we are talking about a player who has been described by an authoritative source at the Barcelona club as being "the best winger in Europe - when he plays well." Understandably, the Espanyol president is therefore concerned as to how the transfer will be received by the club's supporters.

However, there are other key figures at Espanyol who are keen for the sale to go ahead as they are aware that Riera is very unhappy at the club - and he is the kind of player who, when he is unhappy, his form suffers terribly. Furthermore, they have already lined up a replacement: a young South American talent who they feel sure will multiply in value over the next few seasons.

posted above

Quote from: rocco on August 25, 2008, 02:47:37 PM

Espanyol - Riera will cost you
President determined to get full asking price for winger
By Lucas Brown Last updated: 25th August 2008

Espanyol president Daniel Sanchez Llibre has told all clubs interested in signing Albert Riera that they will have to pay the full asking price after confirming that two sides had made contact.

Sanchez Llibre has been adamant that he will not let the highly-rated wide man leave on the cheap and stated that any bids below their valuation would not even be considered.

Liverpool and Everton have both been strongly linked with a move for the former Manchester City loanee, but Sanchez Llibre would not confirm if they had made the offers.

Defending interests
"Both the bids do come from English clubs," the Blanc i Blau supremo told reporters. "We are ready to defend our interests.

"We will not be selling any of our players for less than the amount that we believe they are worth.

"If anyone wants Albert Riera then they will have to pay what Espanyol wants."

Luis Garcia has also been the subject of interest from other clubs with Benfica having held fruitless talks with Espanyol and Sanchez Llibre thinks that the deal is off.

He added: "The possible transfer of Luis Garcia to Benfica has been stopped, while the Riera business is in the final stages.

"If someone was to leave though, it could all be dealt with within 24 hours."

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11669_4047635,00.html

posted above

MagicB8all · « **Reply #625 on:** August 25, 2008, 02:53:07 PM »

Quote from: McmanaMark on August 25, 2008, 02:13:21 PM

I look at it this way...

If we play wide players with less cutting edge who'll also track back, like Kuyt and Benayoun, then we need additional thrust from central mid to bring the balance. This is where Barry would have been ideal, and the gauntlet Alonso is going to have to take on, by the looks of it.

If we play a higher attacking line with more dynamic wingers like Riera and Babel, who won't track back as much, then both of the two deep-lying centre mids need to have a defensive focus in order to cover the gaps. In this respect, Plessis's development is ideal.

Losing out on Barry and going instead for Riera is going to give us the option to play the second style if needed. I see Plessis as integral to that, and as cover for Mascherano in the first approach.

He certainly doesn't need to grow into a box-to-box player. We've Lucas for that.

good argument. I always saw us as wanting to play 433 with 1 holding midfielder and 2 box to box midfielders - one being left footed so the could cover the attacking full backs - in this view another young midfielder like Lucas ( but left footed ) would be ideal

Lets see what happens

rocco · « **Reply #626 on:** August 25, 2008, 02:53:07 PM »

Quote from: maqu006 on August 25, 2008, 02:51:53 PM

posted above
posted above

McmanaMark · « **Reply #627 on:** August 25, 2008, 03:08:21 PM »

Quote from: Magic8Ball on August 25, 2008, 02:53:07 PM

good argument. I always saw us as wanting to play 433 with 1 holding midfielder and 2 box to box midfielders - one being left footed so the could cover the attacking full backs - in this view another young midfielder like Lucas ( but left footed ) would be ideal

Lets see what happens

You mean like Chelsea's old system, with either Makalele or Essien holding, and both Ballack and Lampard going forward, but the full-backs not pushing on as much.

I see it as two holding mids with Gerrard free-roaming (he's as dynamic as Ballack and Lampard put together), and the full-backs pushing on more.

The great thing is that, with Riera (or indeed, another decent leftie) on board we've the squad to play a number of different permutations, as well as change things mid-way through a match - just like we did with going 3-5-2 to chase the game against Boro at the weekend.

Enthusiasm grows with every signing

Just hope we don't slip up against Liege midweek...

Sarge · « **Reply #628 on:** August 25, 2008, 03:10:18 PM »

Is he any fucking use thats all i want to know?

JOYRO · « **Reply #629 on:** August 25, 2008, 03:21:58 PM »

Quote from: Sarge on August 25, 2008, 03:10:18 PM

Is he any fucking use thats all i want to know?

He feels like the spanish Malouda. Has a lot of potential and the skills to make success even in PL but on the other hand you never know.

Martyn. · « **Reply #630 on:** August 25, 2008, 03:22:06 PM »

Quote from: Sarge on August 25, 2008, 03:10:18 PM

Is he any fucking use thats all i want to know?

I want to know as well. I don't know that much about him to be honest, except that he played for Man City a while ago and didn't exactly set the world on fire.

RedBoywonder · « **Reply #631 on:** August 25, 2008, 03:24:46 PM »

Quote from: Sarge on August 25, 2008, 03:10:18 PM

Is he any fucking use thats all i want to know?

He's been described as erm... 'being able to to a job on the left'

No666 · « **Reply #632 on:** August 25, 2008, 03:30:03 PM »

Quote

He's been described as erm... 'being able to to a job on the left'

Wow.

anoop · « **Reply #633 on:** August 25, 2008, 03:31:16 PM »

barry, downing ,quaresma...
now its such an anticlimax...

Sarge · « **Reply #634 on:** August 25, 2008, 03:31:57 PM »

Quote from: JOYRO on August 25, 2008, 03:21:58 PM

He feels like the spanish Malouda. Has a lot of potential and the skills to make success even in PL but on the other hand you never know.

Quote from: RedBoywonder on August 25, 2008, 03:24:46 PM

He's been described as erm... 'being able to to a job on the left'

Quote from: Martyn. on August 25, 2008, 03:22:06 PM

I want to know as well. I don't know that much about him to be honest, except that he played for Man City a while ago and didn't exactly set the world on fire.

Oh great i'm really fucking excited now. Another Tony Nunez?

rocco · « **Reply #635 on:** August 25, 2008, 03:32:04 PM »

Quote from: Sarge on August 25, 2008, 03:10:18 PM

Is he any fucking use thats all i want to know?

The Espanyol president is unsure about selling the winger at all: after all, we are talking about a player who has been described by an authoritative source at the Barcelona club as being "the best winger in Europe - when he plays well." Understandably, the Espanyol president is therefore concerned as to how the transfer will be received by the club's supporters.

I Like Boobs · « **Reply #636 on:** August 25, 2008, 03:34:44 PM »

Quote from: Sarge on August 25, 2008, 03:10:18 PM

Is he any fucking use thats all i want to know?

He's much better than people have described him in this thread, with a couple of notable exceptions, and is better than a hell of a lot of players that we've been linked with.

He'll be even better in a 4-2-3-1 in my opinion. He's nippy, tall, strong, skillfull, good crosser and a hard worker.

The only person we've been linked with that I'd take over him is Quaresma. That includes Silva.

anoop · « **Reply #637 on:** August 25, 2008, 03:35:47 PM »

last i heard, the supporters were already pissed of at his ambition..

wonder how these comments of his will go down if he goes to everton eventually

I Like Boobs · « **Reply #638 on:** August 25, 2008, 03:38:00 PM »

Quote from: Sarge on August 25, 2008, 03:31:57 PM

Oh great i'm really fucking excited now. Another Tony Nunez?

If anyone honestly believes that and says yes, then they need to be slammed in the head.

Nunez, who hardly got a kick in La Liga isn't a patch on this guy that has scored for his country and in the UEFA Cup final.

He's not fashionable in this country, like Quaresma, Silva, Ronaldo, Robben etc, but he is a good player that I'd take over Downing and definitely Barry playing on the left.

Juan Loco · « **Reply #639 on:** August 25, 2008, 03:46:23 PM »

Quote from: Zaffarious on August 25, 2008, 01:39:00 PM

Balague is full of shite, a month or so ago he said riera is not liverpool class, now he is saying he would be a good signing for liverpool?

I´m pretty sure Balague has always been more than complimentary about Rieira´s ability.

I actually think Balague´s alright to be honest. He´s usually more accurate with his opinions on a players ability than he is on where they´ll be moving to. Was spot on about both Nando´s.