I quoted this from the official site of Liverpool..
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KYRGIAKOS OUT TO SEIZE CHANCE
SKY Sports 23 August 2009
Sotirios Kyrgiakos is determined to make the most of his Premier League opportunity after making a surprise move to Liverpool.
The Greek defender sealed a switch to Anfield from AEK Athens on Friday evening but admits he did not know the Reds were interested until just a few days ago.
The 30-year-old, who spent time with Rangers earlier in his career, believes he is equipped to cope with the demands of English football.
He is now hoping to make an immediate impact for his new club and could make his debut against Aston Villa on Monday night.
"I am very happy to have this chance at Liverpool," said Kyrgiakos.
"I know I had just signed a new contract with AEK and although it was a good contract, you never stop having ambitions in life, and that is why I am here.
"When you are approached by a club like Liverpool, it is an offer you just cannot refuse.
"I hope that I can bring my strength to this squad, I am good in the air and I have a lot of experience now, so I hope I can be of benefit to Liverpool.
"I have played for Rangers in Scotland and Frankfurt in Germany, that has given me a lot of experience of competitive leagues so I believe I will adapt quickly."
Kyrgiakos missed Greece's successful Euro 2004 campaign through injury and feels this is his chance to achieve something really special in his career.
He explained: "I know that there have not been many Greek players who have been successful in the English game, so I feel that I have something to prove for my country, that we can play at this level.
"For me it is a chance to have success at the very top. I was injured when Greece were European champions in 2004, these things happen in football.
"So I have plenty of motivation to do well in the Premier League and help Liverpool to be successful."
He added: "I only found out on Monday that Liverpool were interested, it was a surprise but I could not say no to this club, and I hope AEK fans understand. I will always have a place in my heart for them.
"This is the best stage for me to play football, I understand Liverpool's traditions and I am proud to have this chance. I have come to the best club, the biggest club."
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I have to say that I'm not quite sure about his inclusion in the team, but maybe..just maybe..by the looks of him and his physique..he looks like a good defender..hope he lives up to the expectation !
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Aquillani is really on his way
Looks like Aquilani is really on his way afterall..
(from givemefootball.com)
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Reds agree Aquilani transfer
By PA Sport August 05, 2009
Liverpool have confirmed that they have reached agreement with Roma to sign midfielder Alberto Aquilani for a fee believed to be £20million.
The signing comes just hours after Xabi Alonso passed his medical at Real Madrid and completed a £30million move to the Bernabeu after five years at Anfield.
It has become clear that the two deals were being negotiated in tandem. Once Liverpool had completed the Alonso transfer, and received the first cash instalment, they were been able to complete the deal for a player to replace the Spaniard in boss Rafael Benitez's squad.
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I have doubts about this guy as he can be injury prone..
but on a contrary,Rafa knows what he's doing.
But still ..we're gonna miss The Passmaster Alonso !
(from givemefootball.com)
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Reds agree Aquilani transfer
By PA Sport August 05, 2009
Liverpool have confirmed that they have reached agreement with Roma to sign midfielder Alberto Aquilani for a fee believed to be £20million.
The signing comes just hours after Xabi Alonso passed his medical at Real Madrid and completed a £30million move to the Bernabeu after five years at Anfield.
It has become clear that the two deals were being negotiated in tandem. Once Liverpool had completed the Alonso transfer, and received the first cash instalment, they were been able to complete the deal for a player to replace the Spaniard in boss Rafael Benitez's squad.
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I have doubts about this guy as he can be injury prone..
but on a contrary,Rafa knows what he's doing.
But still ..we're gonna miss The Passmaster Alonso !
Liverpool in disarray ?
Liverpool in disarray ?
Yup,I think so..
Just read this and comment..
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Are the Reds in disarray?
Xabi Alonso leaving Liverpool - Jamie Carragher still confident
By Dave Smith August 05, 2009
Liverpool will be £30million richer – but the team will be the poorer for the loss of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid.
There’s certainly no talk of a credit crunch in the Spanish capital as Real have now shelled out something in the region of two hundred and fifty millions Euros.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will have to get on with life without playmaker Alonso, and pre-season’s not going so well either.
The Reds kick-off their bid to end a 20-year wait for the domestic league title with a testing trip to Tottenham on August 16.
Jamie Carragher
Whilst senior citizen Jamie Carragher was unhappy with their 3-0 defeat to Espanyol, he still believes they will be on track come the start of the season.
"Espanyol was only a pre-season game but it was still a disappointing result for us because you never want to get beaten," Carragher said.
"Sunday's defeat was a mixture of things. It just wasn't our night but it's getting closer to the season now and we've got a couple of weeks to put it right.
"That's what these games are all about though and, hopefully, we'll be ready when the season kicks-off.
"From our point of view, we've still got a few players coming back into it and I think we felt it in the conditions out there."
Yup,I think so..
Just read this and comment..
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Are the Reds in disarray?
Xabi Alonso leaving Liverpool - Jamie Carragher still confident
By Dave Smith August 05, 2009
Liverpool will be £30million richer – but the team will be the poorer for the loss of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid.
There’s certainly no talk of a credit crunch in the Spanish capital as Real have now shelled out something in the region of two hundred and fifty millions Euros.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will have to get on with life without playmaker Alonso, and pre-season’s not going so well either.
The Reds kick-off their bid to end a 20-year wait for the domestic league title with a testing trip to Tottenham on August 16.
Jamie Carragher
Whilst senior citizen Jamie Carragher was unhappy with their 3-0 defeat to Espanyol, he still believes they will be on track come the start of the season.
"Espanyol was only a pre-season game but it was still a disappointing result for us because you never want to get beaten," Carragher said.
"Sunday's defeat was a mixture of things. It just wasn't our night but it's getting closer to the season now and we've got a couple of weeks to put it right.
"That's what these games are all about though and, hopefully, we'll be ready when the season kicks-off.
"From our point of view, we've still got a few players coming back into it and I think we felt it in the conditions out there."
Monday, August 3, 2009
Aquilani is on his way ?
Well it really seems inevitable that Alonso is leaving now.Talks between both teams had taken place.Liverpool seemed not to want to back off from their 35 mill pounds valuation of Alonso whilst Real are reported to only willing to cough up 26 mills...
Looks like Rafa has already aiming for a replacement when Alonso departs ,in a form of Alberto Aquilani..
I have seen this guy playing for Roma..and TBH,I think he's good but not as good as Alonso.His style is very much like Andre Pirlo but Pirlo is more agressive..
I'm sure if he really is coming to LFC,Rafa wud be able to mould him in a better player,like how he had moulded Alonso.
Read more .. I quoted this from The Sun UK.
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Liverpool Sign Roma Ace Alberto Aquilani
The latest reports from Spain claim the midfielder has signed for the Reds, but news emerging from Italy is more cautious in tone...
Liverpool have signed Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani, according to the latest reports from Spain.
Marca claims Roma have accepted an €18million bid for the Italian midfielder. Reds manager Rafael Benitez is said to be keen on the Italian.
The report suggests the Spanish coach has moved in quickly in an attempt to have an alternative to Xabi Alonso. Voices in Spain claim Alonso is on the verge of joining Real Madrid, and it appears Liverpool have wasted no time in signing his replacement.
It is said Liverpool are still trying to negotiate a deal with Real Madrid for Alonso. According to Marca, the Reds want nothing less than €35m for the Spanish international.
Sky Sport Italia are speculating that Aquilani has agreed to a four year deal worth €4m per season with the Reds, but the move is hinging on Alonso's passage to the Bernabeu.
Despite the reports in Spain, there has been no official confirmation from Roma regarding the news that Aquilani has signed for the Anfield-based club.
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I wish the best of luck to Alonso,and hopes that he won't warm the bench when he signs for Real Madrid.
Looks like Rafa has already aiming for a replacement when Alonso departs ,in a form of Alberto Aquilani..
I have seen this guy playing for Roma..and TBH,I think he's good but not as good as Alonso.His style is very much like Andre Pirlo but Pirlo is more agressive..
I'm sure if he really is coming to LFC,Rafa wud be able to mould him in a better player,like how he had moulded Alonso.
Read more .. I quoted this from The Sun UK.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Liverpool Sign Roma Ace Alberto Aquilani
The latest reports from Spain claim the midfielder has signed for the Reds, but news emerging from Italy is more cautious in tone...
Liverpool have signed Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani, according to the latest reports from Spain.
Marca claims Roma have accepted an €18million bid for the Italian midfielder. Reds manager Rafael Benitez is said to be keen on the Italian.
The report suggests the Spanish coach has moved in quickly in an attempt to have an alternative to Xabi Alonso. Voices in Spain claim Alonso is on the verge of joining Real Madrid, and it appears Liverpool have wasted no time in signing his replacement.
It is said Liverpool are still trying to negotiate a deal with Real Madrid for Alonso. According to Marca, the Reds want nothing less than €35m for the Spanish international.
Sky Sport Italia are speculating that Aquilani has agreed to a four year deal worth €4m per season with the Reds, but the move is hinging on Alonso's passage to the Bernabeu.
Despite the reports in Spain, there has been no official confirmation from Roma regarding the news that Aquilani has signed for the Anfield-based club.
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I wish the best of luck to Alonso,and hopes that he won't warm the bench when he signs for Real Madrid.
Friday, July 31, 2009
David Villa ,anyone ?
Hmmm..this is by far the best rumour I've heard after the heartbreaking news that Alonso has really asked to be transported to Real Madrid.. Just hope this move will materialise and we'll have Torres-Villa partnership that we've always dreamed of..
This is an excerpt I collected from The Sun today ..hope it will be a reality..
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RAFA BENITEZ will use the money from the Xabi Alonso deal to bid for Spain striker David Villa.
Midfielder Alonso is expected to seal a £30million move to Real Madrid today - and Liverpool boss Benitez aims to pair Villa with current Kop frontman Fernando Torres in the double act that has been so deadly for the Euro 2008 champions.
Anfield skipper Steven Gerrard would move back into central midfield, alongside Javier Mascherano, with Benitez changing his formation to 4-4-1-1.
Villa, 26, has already turned down moves to Real and Barcelona this summer but Liverpool feel Torres can persuade his pal to leave Valencia for England.
Benitez, however, recognises potential difficulties in nabbing Villa and does have a Plan B.
Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani, 24, is seen as a possible replacement for Alonso, 27, who asked for a transfer to force through his move.
Bernabeu bigwigs are haggling over the fee and have suggested a cash- plus-player swap. Liverpool, though, would much rather take a full cash payment.
This is an excerpt I collected from The Sun today ..hope it will be a reality..
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RAFA BENITEZ will use the money from the Xabi Alonso deal to bid for Spain striker David Villa.
Midfielder Alonso is expected to seal a £30million move to Real Madrid today - and Liverpool boss Benitez aims to pair Villa with current Kop frontman Fernando Torres in the double act that has been so deadly for the Euro 2008 champions.
Anfield skipper Steven Gerrard would move back into central midfield, alongside Javier Mascherano, with Benitez changing his formation to 4-4-1-1.
Villa, 26, has already turned down moves to Real and Barcelona this summer but Liverpool feel Torres can persuade his pal to leave Valencia for England.
Benitez, however, recognises potential difficulties in nabbing Villa and does have a Plan B.
Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani, 24, is seen as a possible replacement for Alonso, 27, who asked for a transfer to force through his move.
Bernabeu bigwigs are haggling over the fee and have suggested a cash- plus-player swap. Liverpool, though, would much rather take a full cash payment.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Alonso is really going to Madrid ?
Well..I'm back writing after a long break ,busy with students' assignments and other workloads at home and office; and also fulfilling my duties as a son to my parents.. Well I am quoting from a piece of news I got from The Sun UK...something that most Reds will not enjoy reading .. but anyway, to be honest(TBH),I have already expected this to happen.. If this really happens,my best wishes to Alonso whom I regarded (and many regarded too) as the best passer in the business today..in fact he is a better passer than Scholes, Rooney, Carrick,Lampard or any other EPL defensive midfielders. He creates space for attackers unpredictably,behind defenders with mesmerizing techniques ..owh how we will miss him when he's gone..
Just read this piece of news and comment ..
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Xabi £28million Kop out
XABI ALONSO is expected to complete his £28million dream move to Real Madrid on Monday.
The Spanish midfielder stunned Liverpool by slapping in a written transfer request.
And Real pounced to make him their latest big-money arrival after upping their offer from £24m.
Kop boss Rafa Benitez wanted £30m but will accept slightly less after conceding defeat in his battle to keep him. A Bernabeu source said: "We expect a positive solution between the clubs in the next few days."
Losing Alonso will be a blow to Benitez but he will use some of the cash to make a £12m raid for Wigan's England Under-21 star Lee Cattermole.
The Latics turned down a bid from Sunderland for their prized asset last week.
But they are unlikely to stand in his way if Liverpool come calling.
Roma's Alberto Aquilina and Athletic Bilbao's Javier Martinez are possible replacements.
Benitez could also launch a raid for Alonso's Spanish team-mate David Villa, despite the striker saying he wants to remain with Valencia.
Alonso hopes his exit can be arranged hastily.
But full-back Alvaro Arbeloa, who has completed his £3.5m switch from Liverpool to Real, said: "It wasn't easy for me to get here because Rafa defends his interests hard.
"I also understand he is currently coaching the team and that he's left negotiations aside for now.
"I hope Xabi joins because he is a good player and a good friend."
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...and Arbeloa has immediately turned traitor ? WTH !?
Anyway,I think it's inevitable now that Alonso will leave.My last hope is we will suck the money dry off Real this time..I still remember when they bought Owen for 8 mills and sold him back for 17 mills to Newcastle..hope this time we have learnt a good lesson when dealing with Real.
Just read this piece of news and comment ..
______________________________________________________________
Xabi £28million Kop out
XABI ALONSO is expected to complete his £28million dream move to Real Madrid on Monday.
The Spanish midfielder stunned Liverpool by slapping in a written transfer request.
And Real pounced to make him their latest big-money arrival after upping their offer from £24m.
Kop boss Rafa Benitez wanted £30m but will accept slightly less after conceding defeat in his battle to keep him. A Bernabeu source said: "We expect a positive solution between the clubs in the next few days."
Losing Alonso will be a blow to Benitez but he will use some of the cash to make a £12m raid for Wigan's England Under-21 star Lee Cattermole.
The Latics turned down a bid from Sunderland for their prized asset last week.
But they are unlikely to stand in his way if Liverpool come calling.
Roma's Alberto Aquilina and Athletic Bilbao's Javier Martinez are possible replacements.
Benitez could also launch a raid for Alonso's Spanish team-mate David Villa, despite the striker saying he wants to remain with Valencia.
Alonso hopes his exit can be arranged hastily.
But full-back Alvaro Arbeloa, who has completed his £3.5m switch from Liverpool to Real, said: "It wasn't easy for me to get here because Rafa defends his interests hard.
"I also understand he is currently coaching the team and that he's left negotiations aside for now.
"I hope Xabi joins because he is a good player and a good friend."
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...and Arbeloa has immediately turned traitor ? WTH !?
Anyway,I think it's inevitable now that Alonso will leave.My last hope is we will suck the money dry off Real this time..I still remember when they bought Owen for 8 mills and sold him back for 17 mills to Newcastle..hope this time we have learnt a good lesson when dealing with Real.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Rafa says NO to Ribery rumour ?
Again..I got this from The Sun UK..I was a bit frustrated but deep inside I hope Rafa is just trying to smokescreen Ribery's move to Anfield !
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Rafa finds it a Rib-tickler
By PHIL THOMAS
RAFA BENITEZ has laughed off rumours Franck Ribery is joining Liverpool.
The Kop boss insists he already has everything in place to bring the title to Anfield.
Bookies slashed the odds on 26-year-old French midfielder Ribery swapping Bayern Munich for Merseyside after a run of bets.
But Benitez said: "I will be really pleased if we can keep this squad together because I don't think we need to do too many things.
"I don't think we'll be signing anyone else for big, big money, just maybe the ones who can fit into our team.
"Right now we are just thinking of improving the fitness of the players, not thinking about the transfer market. We have the quality there and we will have our chances again."
Benitez paid nearly �18million for Glen Johnson and has been fending off interest in Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso.
But Alvaro Arbeloa is likely to head off for Real Madrid.
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We are already out of the crisis..I think Rafa shud ask the money from the owners and try bidding for Ribery ! He's gonna be awesome !
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Rafa finds it a Rib-tickler
By PHIL THOMAS
RAFA BENITEZ has laughed off rumours Franck Ribery is joining Liverpool.
The Kop boss insists he already has everything in place to bring the title to Anfield.
Bookies slashed the odds on 26-year-old French midfielder Ribery swapping Bayern Munich for Merseyside after a run of bets.
But Benitez said: "I will be really pleased if we can keep this squad together because I don't think we need to do too many things.
"I don't think we'll be signing anyone else for big, big money, just maybe the ones who can fit into our team.
"Right now we are just thinking of improving the fitness of the players, not thinking about the transfer market. We have the quality there and we will have our chances again."
Benitez paid nearly �18million for Glen Johnson and has been fending off interest in Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso.
But Alvaro Arbeloa is likely to head off for Real Madrid.
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We are already out of the crisis..I think Rafa shud ask the money from the owners and try bidding for Ribery ! He's gonna be awesome !
Will Real Madrid ever give up on Alonso ?
Just wanna share a piece of news I got from the Sun UK today..
What if he really joins Madrid ?!
Xabi still on Real radar
REAL MADRID still want to sign Xabi Alonso from Liverpool.
Boss Manuel Pellegrini said: "He's an important player as he has shown with the Spanish team.
"It's no mystery that Real Madrid are interested in his services, but it will not be easy."
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Real Madrid know that Alonso has always dreamt of coming home and they are really using Alonso's vulnerability to lure him back to playing in Spain..
After what Alonso had shown us last season,surely many Kopities will not want Alonso to leave but to be honest,the temptation can sometimes be very great..I fear that Alonso might go back to Madrid and make his 'dream move' to Spain..(and what more to Real Madrid)..
If..If..Alonso really is going,hope he will leave with very big sum of money paid by Real Madrid to us..
What if he really joins Madrid ?!
Xabi still on Real radar
REAL MADRID still want to sign Xabi Alonso from Liverpool.
Boss Manuel Pellegrini said: "He's an important player as he has shown with the Spanish team.
"It's no mystery that Real Madrid are interested in his services, but it will not be easy."
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Real Madrid know that Alonso has always dreamt of coming home and they are really using Alonso's vulnerability to lure him back to playing in Spain..
After what Alonso had shown us last season,surely many Kopities will not want Alonso to leave but to be honest,the temptation can sometimes be very great..I fear that Alonso might go back to Madrid and make his 'dream move' to Spain..(and what more to Real Madrid)..
If..If..Alonso really is going,hope he will leave with very big sum of money paid by Real Madrid to us..
Monday, July 6, 2009
Yossi penned a new deal till 2013
This is an official news I got from the Kop Official Website ,liverpoolfc.tv
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Yossi Benayoun today spoke of his delight after signing a new deal to keep him at Anfield until 2013.The 29-year-old put pen to paper on a two-year extension to his current deal this afternoon.
He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I am very happy that we have reached an agreement. Of course, to be at a club like this is a dream come true and I want to keep playing here.
"Hopefully now I can concentrate on the hard work that needs to be done and try to play better and better and win some silverware."
The Israeli international, who moved to Anfield from West Ham in July 2007, scored nine goals in 42 appearances during 2008-09.
In February, Benayoun marked Liverpool's first ever competitive visit to the Bernabeu with the only goal as we beat Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16.
A dramatic stoppage-time winner at Fulham followed in April before our No.15 struck twice in the pulsating 4-4 draw with Arsenal at Anfield.
He follows Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Daniel Agger and Dirk Kuyt in committing his long-term future to the club.
Boss Rafa Benitez said: "You know that our idea was to extend the contracts of some players and Yossi was one of these players.
"He has been really good for us over the last year, scoring crucial goals and getting assists, so we wanted to keep him and I'm really pleased with the extension."
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Hope Mascherano and Alonso will follow suit..
__________________________________________________________________
Yossi Benayoun today spoke of his delight after signing a new deal to keep him at Anfield until 2013.The 29-year-old put pen to paper on a two-year extension to his current deal this afternoon.
He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I am very happy that we have reached an agreement. Of course, to be at a club like this is a dream come true and I want to keep playing here.
"Hopefully now I can concentrate on the hard work that needs to be done and try to play better and better and win some silverware."
The Israeli international, who moved to Anfield from West Ham in July 2007, scored nine goals in 42 appearances during 2008-09.
In February, Benayoun marked Liverpool's first ever competitive visit to the Bernabeu with the only goal as we beat Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16.
A dramatic stoppage-time winner at Fulham followed in April before our No.15 struck twice in the pulsating 4-4 draw with Arsenal at Anfield.
He follows Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Daniel Agger and Dirk Kuyt in committing his long-term future to the club.
Boss Rafa Benitez said: "You know that our idea was to extend the contracts of some players and Yossi was one of these players.
"He has been really good for us over the last year, scoring crucial goals and getting assists, so we wanted to keep him and I'm really pleased with the extension."
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Hope Mascherano and Alonso will follow suit..
Sunday, June 21, 2009
LFC bailed out by HIcks / Gillet ?
Read what I've got from The Sun today..
If this really happens,we'll buy more quality players..
By DEAN JONES
GEORGE GILLETT has pulled off a stunning deal in America to rescue Liverpool from a financial nightmare.
Reds owner Gillett and partner Tom Hicks have been struggling to meet payments on a £350million debt incurred as part of their 2007 Anfield takeover.
But Gillett is selling ice hockey giants Montreal Canadiens to the brewers Molson for £340m - almost exactly double the price he paid them for an 80 per cent share in 2001.
News of his £178m profit comes just two weeks after Liverpool's accountants warned of "significant doubt" over repayments due on July 24 and defender Jamie Carragher said he feared key players could be sold.
The sale should be finalised once NHL chiefs give it the all-clear. Canadiens spokesman Donald Beauchamp said: "We would expect the deal to go through in a month or two."
Gillett was highly regarded in Montreal as he helped out with cash to sign top players. But he has not made quite the same impression in England.
Liverpool fans have become frustrated at his squabbling with partner Hicks. The pair took out a £350m loan when they bought the club in 2007 and have made no progress with a new stadium.
Accounts show Kop Holdings, the parent company of the club, lost £42.6m in the year up to August 2008. Interest payments on loans accounted for £36.5m.
There could be further good news for the Reds now though as Hicks is hoping to sell off his Texas Rangers baseball team and make a £97m profit.
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Hope this is true..
If this really happens,we'll buy more quality players..
By DEAN JONES
GEORGE GILLETT has pulled off a stunning deal in America to rescue Liverpool from a financial nightmare.
Reds owner Gillett and partner Tom Hicks have been struggling to meet payments on a £350million debt incurred as part of their 2007 Anfield takeover.
But Gillett is selling ice hockey giants Montreal Canadiens to the brewers Molson for £340m - almost exactly double the price he paid them for an 80 per cent share in 2001.
News of his £178m profit comes just two weeks after Liverpool's accountants warned of "significant doubt" over repayments due on July 24 and defender Jamie Carragher said he feared key players could be sold.
The sale should be finalised once NHL chiefs give it the all-clear. Canadiens spokesman Donald Beauchamp said: "We would expect the deal to go through in a month or two."
Gillett was highly regarded in Montreal as he helped out with cash to sign top players. But he has not made quite the same impression in England.
Liverpool fans have become frustrated at his squabbling with partner Hicks. The pair took out a £350m loan when they bought the club in 2007 and have made no progress with a new stadium.
Accounts show Kop Holdings, the parent company of the club, lost £42.6m in the year up to August 2008. Interest payments on loans accounted for £36.5m.
There could be further good news for the Reds now though as Hicks is hoping to sell off his Texas Rangers baseball team and make a £97m profit.
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Hope this is true..
Monday, June 15, 2009
Johnson is coming to Anfield?
This is the latest I got..from The Sun UK today 16 June 2009.. Would you believe it ? Wow..
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Benitez wins scrap for Glen
LIVERPOOL have won the race to land Portsmouth's �19million full-back Glen Johnson.
The England defender is expected to have a medical on Merseyside tomorrow - unless Chelsea or Manchester City can gazump the Kop at the last minute.
Johnson, 24, has opted for Anfield after emerging as one of the most sought-after men in the Premier League this summer.
And his signing is a real coup for Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, who feared the club's financial crisis would force him out of the bidding.
There is still the slight possibility Liverpool could be thwarted, with Chelsea determined to re-sign the man they sold to Pompey for just �4m two years ago.
And City are willing to pay the Londoner �100,000 a week to move to Eastlands.
Johnson only signed a new four-year deal with Portsmouth in January but has made no secret of wanting a bigger stage.
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If this is true..there goes ALL our transfer budget for next season !
____________________________________________________________
Benitez wins scrap for Glen
LIVERPOOL have won the race to land Portsmouth's �19million full-back Glen Johnson.
The England defender is expected to have a medical on Merseyside tomorrow - unless Chelsea or Manchester City can gazump the Kop at the last minute.
Johnson, 24, has opted for Anfield after emerging as one of the most sought-after men in the Premier League this summer.
And his signing is a real coup for Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, who feared the club's financial crisis would force him out of the bidding.
There is still the slight possibility Liverpool could be thwarted, with Chelsea determined to re-sign the man they sold to Pompey for just �4m two years ago.
And City are willing to pay the Londoner �100,000 a week to move to Eastlands.
Johnson only signed a new four-year deal with Portsmouth in January but has made no secret of wanting a bigger stage.
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If this is true..there goes ALL our transfer budget for next season !
Masch and Alonso are not for sale..How far is this true?
To be honest,the more Rafa opens his mouth denying that these 2 stars are leaving,the more I doubt that they are staying.Can we deny the spending power that Real have and what about the temptation to play alongside Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez- two best midfielders in the world..Can Alonso say NO to Real and missing the op to go back to his homeland and wud Masch resist the temptation? Wow they must bleed Reds all over should they say no to those massive offers.Rafa on the hand would surely love to gain profit from the sales -Alonso was only bought for 10 mills and now Real want him for 24 mil= 14 mils profit,while Masch was bought for 18 mils and Barca want him for 23 mils=5 mils profit.. The sales would generate 47 mils and a profit of 19 mils..Isn't that good biznes? Whew..
Surely I dun want them to go..but I am already resigned to accepting that the chances of seeing our duo together next season is very very slim...Just hope that if they really are leaving,Rafa wud make good use of the money and buy quality players..not only just team players..We are too big a name to go fo players like Distin,Tuncay or even Owen for that matter. We should go for players like Tevez,Silva or David Villa..
Please Rafa..get it right!
REDS DUO NOT FOR SALE
SKY Sports 14 June 2009
Liverpool have moved to quash reports that Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano are set to leave Anfield this summer.
Argentina international Mascherano has been linked with Barcelona amid reports that his wife has struggled to settle on Merseyside.
And Spain midfielder Alonso is just the latest in a long line of players believed to be on Real Madrid president Florentino Perez's lengthy and expensive summer wish-list.
Madrid's young strikers Alvaro Negredo and Alberto Bueno have been suggested as makeweights in any possible deal for Alonso.
Reds boss Rafa Benitez recently stating that Barcelona "could not afford" Mascherano and that Alonso was "not for sale" as he sees the midfield duo as key to his plans for next season.
And Liverpool backed Benitez to the hilt on Sunday by indicating any approaches for the pair will be firmly rejected.
In a statement on their official website, Liverpool said: "Despite repeated media speculation on the futures of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano, Liverpool has received no official approach or offer from any club regarding the players.
"Neither is for sale and furthermore Liverpool has no interest in the long list of Spanish-based players being linked with a move to Anfield as part of any deal."
____________________________________________________
Just wondering..what are Hicks and Gillet doing now..hmmm..
Surely I dun want them to go..but I am already resigned to accepting that the chances of seeing our duo together next season is very very slim...Just hope that if they really are leaving,Rafa wud make good use of the money and buy quality players..not only just team players..We are too big a name to go fo players like Distin,Tuncay or even Owen for that matter. We should go for players like Tevez,Silva or David Villa..
Please Rafa..get it right!
REDS DUO NOT FOR SALE
SKY Sports 14 June 2009
Liverpool have moved to quash reports that Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano are set to leave Anfield this summer.
Argentina international Mascherano has been linked with Barcelona amid reports that his wife has struggled to settle on Merseyside.
And Spain midfielder Alonso is just the latest in a long line of players believed to be on Real Madrid president Florentino Perez's lengthy and expensive summer wish-list.
Madrid's young strikers Alvaro Negredo and Alberto Bueno have been suggested as makeweights in any possible deal for Alonso.
Reds boss Rafa Benitez recently stating that Barcelona "could not afford" Mascherano and that Alonso was "not for sale" as he sees the midfield duo as key to his plans for next season.
And Liverpool backed Benitez to the hilt on Sunday by indicating any approaches for the pair will be firmly rejected.
In a statement on their official website, Liverpool said: "Despite repeated media speculation on the futures of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano, Liverpool has received no official approach or offer from any club regarding the players.
"Neither is for sale and furthermore Liverpool has no interest in the long list of Spanish-based players being linked with a move to Anfield as part of any deal."
____________________________________________________
Just wondering..what are Hicks and Gillet doing now..hmmm..
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Now Rafa has to lower his transfer budget (and expectations?)
To be honest ,I have never expected that I'll have to read this piece of news..not after some sterling display of great team performance in our last 11 matches in our last season ( won 10 and drew 1)..I was dreaming that next season we'll have David Silva & Villa playing alongside Torres and Gerrard...and Tevez would come next( I even thought of how Alex Ferguson would have reacted to Tevez's transfer to his worst nemesis)...but just in a few days,I have to digest one of the most unbelievable probabilities in decades - LFC might go bankrupt if debts are not settled ...Not really sure how other Kopites would feel about the thought of LFC going bankrupt,but surely you'll have that tinge feeling behind your spine.
Just read what I have collected from The Sun UK and respond ...poor Rafa..
Rafa set for bargain hunt
(The Sun UK)
By PHIL THOMAS
Published: 10 Jun 2009
RAFA BENITEZ last night vowed not to walk out of Anfield in the wake of Liverpool's cash crisis.
And the Kop boss is ready to trawl Europe's bargain basement now the rug has been pulled on his plans to sign the biggest names in the game.
Benitez had drawn up a hit-list which included the likes of Gareth Barry, David Villa and even Carlos Tevez from champions Manchester United.
But Barry has already gone to Manchester City, while Tevez and Valencia striker Villa are way out of the Reds' price range.
Instead, Benitez finds himself having to shun the designer rails and look in the slight-seconds range for men such as Middlesbrough's Tuncay and Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin.
But the Spaniard is up for the scrap - despite last week's stunning claim from the club's auditors that the financial plight is so bad there are fears about Liverpool's viability as a going concern.
Benitez broke his silence on the financial mire yesterday and roared: "We knew it could be difficult because there is a crisis all around the world and clearly we don't have too much to spend.
"But I still think we have enough money to add the one or two players that we need.
"This season has been really good and we've competed on all fronts. If we can sign one or two players, then I'm really positive we can improve."
Ironically, Benitez spoke on the day it emerged Liverpool must pay almost £2million to cover travel, legal and personal expenses for owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
That followed the news that Kop Football (Holdings) Ltd - the club's parent company run by the Americans - suffered a loss of £42.6m last year.
Benitez, who penned a five-year deal in March, added: "When I signed the contract I did so because Liverpool FC is more than a club.
"It is the heart of the city, it is our life and for the people here it means so much.
"I thought I had to sign - we have to fight, we have to do it. The people in this city have been fighting all their lives and we want to do the same.
"The situation isn't fantastic but I have a lot of confidence. We want to fight like we did this year." Liverpool fell just four points short of wrecking United's charge to a third straight Premier League title.
But Benitez believes with a couple of new faces - and Fernando Torres steering clear of injury - it will be a different story next season.
He said: "I'm also positive because we were talking recently about how Fernando and Steven Gerrard didn't play together for a long time.
"Hopefully, they will manage that more next season - and we also have good young players like David Ngog, Nabil El Zhar, Ryan Babel and Emiliano Insua coming through.
"We have a very good squad but we can still improve a little bit. How much - enough to win the title? I'm sure it will be enough to compete.
"We knew the situation in the world would be difficult this summer. Some clubs were asking for our players so the priority was to extend the contracts of our key ones.
"We spent some money to guarantee this and now we just have to improve a little bit, because we are in a very good position."
______________________________________________________________
How will LFC fare without any new signing ?
Is the present team good enough to win BPL,when other teams are strengthening their squad ?
With Aston Villa and Man City eyeing to be one of the Big 4 teams,will LFC able to withstand the pressure and still compete for the most coveted BPL prize?
Just read what I have collected from The Sun UK and respond ...poor Rafa..
Rafa set for bargain hunt
(The Sun UK)
By PHIL THOMAS
Published: 10 Jun 2009
RAFA BENITEZ last night vowed not to walk out of Anfield in the wake of Liverpool's cash crisis.
And the Kop boss is ready to trawl Europe's bargain basement now the rug has been pulled on his plans to sign the biggest names in the game.
Benitez had drawn up a hit-list which included the likes of Gareth Barry, David Villa and even Carlos Tevez from champions Manchester United.
But Barry has already gone to Manchester City, while Tevez and Valencia striker Villa are way out of the Reds' price range.
Instead, Benitez finds himself having to shun the designer rails and look in the slight-seconds range for men such as Middlesbrough's Tuncay and Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin.
But the Spaniard is up for the scrap - despite last week's stunning claim from the club's auditors that the financial plight is so bad there are fears about Liverpool's viability as a going concern.
Benitez broke his silence on the financial mire yesterday and roared: "We knew it could be difficult because there is a crisis all around the world and clearly we don't have too much to spend.
"But I still think we have enough money to add the one or two players that we need.
"This season has been really good and we've competed on all fronts. If we can sign one or two players, then I'm really positive we can improve."
Ironically, Benitez spoke on the day it emerged Liverpool must pay almost £2million to cover travel, legal and personal expenses for owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
That followed the news that Kop Football (Holdings) Ltd - the club's parent company run by the Americans - suffered a loss of £42.6m last year.
Benitez, who penned a five-year deal in March, added: "When I signed the contract I did so because Liverpool FC is more than a club.
"It is the heart of the city, it is our life and for the people here it means so much.
"I thought I had to sign - we have to fight, we have to do it. The people in this city have been fighting all their lives and we want to do the same.
"The situation isn't fantastic but I have a lot of confidence. We want to fight like we did this year." Liverpool fell just four points short of wrecking United's charge to a third straight Premier League title.
But Benitez believes with a couple of new faces - and Fernando Torres steering clear of injury - it will be a different story next season.
He said: "I'm also positive because we were talking recently about how Fernando and Steven Gerrard didn't play together for a long time.
"Hopefully, they will manage that more next season - and we also have good young players like David Ngog, Nabil El Zhar, Ryan Babel and Emiliano Insua coming through.
"We have a very good squad but we can still improve a little bit. How much - enough to win the title? I'm sure it will be enough to compete.
"We knew the situation in the world would be difficult this summer. Some clubs were asking for our players so the priority was to extend the contracts of our key ones.
"We spent some money to guarantee this and now we just have to improve a little bit, because we are in a very good position."
______________________________________________________________
How will LFC fare without any new signing ?
Is the present team good enough to win BPL,when other teams are strengthening their squad ?
With Aston Villa and Man City eyeing to be one of the Big 4 teams,will LFC able to withstand the pressure and still compete for the most coveted BPL prize?
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Are LFC getting new top signings?
Well...though 08/09 BPL season has ended,LFC are still heating up with speculations that the club is heading for bankruptcy with many key players are said to be heading their exits.Players like Mascherano and Alonso are now hot on their heels and are said to be on the brink of a summer swoop this season.Alonso was said to have been given the nod to sign for Real Madrid for 24 mils while Mascherano has uttered verbal agreement with Barcelona,for a fee around 22 mils. If both players really leave LFC,their sales will contribute around 46 mils for LFC and that would be able to cover the losses we had last season of 46.5 mils..selling more fringe players like Babel,Dossena and Lucas might produce another 20 mils which then enable LFC to participate in the transfer market...but would that be enough ?
Do we really need to sacrifice our prominent players like Masch and Alonso who had proven to be among the best in the country. I certainly join hands with other Kops of not wanting these 2 not to join any team (esp BPL teams) and their presence is much needed when we kickstart our season this August.In The Sun UK today,Benitez confidently said that he'll be getting at least another 2 top signings;from which club..he did not mention.I really doubt what he was saying as we are now not in a favourable situation to even to be rumouring about getting fringe players from other clubs ..Tuncay from Boro ..or even Owen if he really wants to come ,we'll not able to afford his pay.. Now what we sgould be discussing is are we going to survive to maintain our financial status and still be a stern competitor for Man U,Chelsea and Arsenal next season .
Hicks and Gillete are not problem solvers.They come to Anfield heavily indebted to the banks,hoping to gain more profit...and we surely love then to go before new season starts and hope the Arabs will come and be our saviour(not really sure if they know their football)..
We can only hope and pray...
Till that day comes ; I doubt there'll be any new signing...
Do we really need to sacrifice our prominent players like Masch and Alonso who had proven to be among the best in the country. I certainly join hands with other Kops of not wanting these 2 not to join any team (esp BPL teams) and their presence is much needed when we kickstart our season this August.In The Sun UK today,Benitez confidently said that he'll be getting at least another 2 top signings;from which club..he did not mention.I really doubt what he was saying as we are now not in a favourable situation to even to be rumouring about getting fringe players from other clubs ..Tuncay from Boro ..or even Owen if he really wants to come ,we'll not able to afford his pay.. Now what we sgould be discussing is are we going to survive to maintain our financial status and still be a stern competitor for Man U,Chelsea and Arsenal next season .
Hicks and Gillete are not problem solvers.They come to Anfield heavily indebted to the banks,hoping to gain more profit...and we surely love then to go before new season starts and hope the Arabs will come and be our saviour(not really sure if they know their football)..
We can only hope and pray...
Till that day comes ; I doubt there'll be any new signing...
Monday, June 8, 2009
We'll be at disadvantage during the Transfer windows
From Daily Star...and after reading this,I couldn't have agreed more.
EXPERT: REDS MAY BE AT DISADVANTAGE
6th June 2009
Uncertainty over the state of Liverpool's finances and future ownership of the club will disadvantage them in this summer's transfer market, according to a leading football financial analyst.
Despite sources close to American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett insisting there is no concern over the current level of debt, the £42.6million loss posted by parent company Kop Holdings has raised doubts over their ability to compete for top-quality signings.
Tom Cannon, professor of strategic development at Liverpool University's school of management, believes unless the finances can be sorted out swiftly manager Rafael Benitez is likely to lose out on more top targets, saying; "You can understand why they did not compete more aggressively for Gareth Barry."
England international Barry was high up on the wish-list last summer but the £18million quoted by Aston Villa was deemed too much and the midfielder this week completed a surprise move to Manchester City for £12million.
"I think Rafael Benitez is in a very powerful position because he has a lot to offer players who want to come in but he is operating under very strict trading conditions," said Cannon, after Liverpool's figures for the year ending July 2008 revealed Hicks and Gillett were paying £36million interest on the £350million loan they took out to buy the club.
"This is certainly going to hit Benitez's budget significantly.
"It is hard to see they could buy the quality of player at the kind of price they are going for this summer without selling.
"It looks like Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City will be spending money and Manchester United might be spending money so they (Liverpool) have to spend money to stay where they were - which is the main rival to United."
Cannon believes Hicks and Gillett may have to sell their interest in their American sport franchises (the Texas Rangers baseball side and Montreal Canadiens ice hockey team) or even cash in some of Liverpool's most saleable assets.
Midfielder Xabi Alonso is a reported £23million target for Real Madrid while Argentina captain Javier Mascherano is reportedly interesting Champions League winners Barcelona.
___________________________________________
If this situation doesn't get any better,we will even have to sell Alonso,Mascherano and even Torres or Gerrard.. touch wood..
EXPERT: REDS MAY BE AT DISADVANTAGE
6th June 2009
Uncertainty over the state of Liverpool's finances and future ownership of the club will disadvantage them in this summer's transfer market, according to a leading football financial analyst.
Despite sources close to American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett insisting there is no concern over the current level of debt, the £42.6million loss posted by parent company Kop Holdings has raised doubts over their ability to compete for top-quality signings.
Tom Cannon, professor of strategic development at Liverpool University's school of management, believes unless the finances can be sorted out swiftly manager Rafael Benitez is likely to lose out on more top targets, saying; "You can understand why they did not compete more aggressively for Gareth Barry."
England international Barry was high up on the wish-list last summer but the £18million quoted by Aston Villa was deemed too much and the midfielder this week completed a surprise move to Manchester City for £12million.
"I think Rafael Benitez is in a very powerful position because he has a lot to offer players who want to come in but he is operating under very strict trading conditions," said Cannon, after Liverpool's figures for the year ending July 2008 revealed Hicks and Gillett were paying £36million interest on the £350million loan they took out to buy the club.
"This is certainly going to hit Benitez's budget significantly.
"It is hard to see they could buy the quality of player at the kind of price they are going for this summer without selling.
"It looks like Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City will be spending money and Manchester United might be spending money so they (Liverpool) have to spend money to stay where they were - which is the main rival to United."
Cannon believes Hicks and Gillett may have to sell their interest in their American sport franchises (the Texas Rangers baseball side and Montreal Canadiens ice hockey team) or even cash in some of Liverpool's most saleable assets.
Midfielder Xabi Alonso is a reported £23million target for Real Madrid while Argentina captain Javier Mascherano is reportedly interesting Champions League winners Barcelona.
___________________________________________
If this situation doesn't get any better,we will even have to sell Alonso,Mascherano and even Torres or Gerrard.. touch wood..
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