2014 Summer Transfer Window Thread

[GSC]

First topic message reminder :

Seems as though Joe Cole has been released by West Ham, might be a solid bargain for a lower league team if hes prepared to drop

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Apparently we've thrown money at him that you and Sunderland won't match. Not entirely sure why, but there you go. Some people really rate him, I'm not sure hes worth the fuss.

[CFCNick]

Just seen Bristol Rovers get 25% of the fee for Lambert.

[Guest]

Think Liverpool have accepted that craft and guile are wonderful things to have going forward but when teams stick ten men behind the ball, as many are likely to do next season, there's nothing inherently wrong with having someone to barge their way into the box and force the issue as an alternative. Lambert isn't an earth-shattering option but undoubtedly signing someone like Conor Wickham to do the same job would set us back a ridiculous amount of money.

As many have said, Lambert isn't blessed with great pace but does know where the goal is...could even sign up someone like Milner to get a few crosses in for him so we have another outlet.

World Cup year, player prices are going to be ridiculous and whilst Liverpool are in the CL, they simply aren't going to have the finances to compete with the big hitters so need to be a bit smarter. If it doesn't work out, £4 million is less of a hit that £30 million.

Have a feeling he'll be another Robbie Keane though.

[liverbnz]

Rickie Lambert is not a target man. He's not a particularly great header of the ball either. He plays with the ball at his feet but is also good at playing it off his chest. He brings people into play very well, and is used to playing with quick people around him which will go well at Liverpool. 

He is definitely a decent option to have against the 'park the busers' - but not as a hoof it and see type. He is not Andy Carroll. They aren't even slightly similar. 

When you compare him to other 3rd choice strikers in the league (Wellbeck/Torres/Sanago/Kane etc), Liverpool come out well. Time will tell though whether he's a success or not as playing for your boyhood club can be to much of a pressure to deal with late I in your career. But with the 4m initial fee, the risk is low.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Id agree hes not a hoof and hope, but to say hes not a great header of the ball I would contest. That goal for England was of a man who can head a ball well and knows how to do it, not merely put his head at it

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

He's not a real bully type striker, not like Holty or Carroll. He's more cultured but is able to hold it up OK

[liverbnz]

One swallow does not make summer Dolph. Suarez has scored a header from outside the box but he's a pretty poor header of the ball in general - although he gets a reasonable amount of headed goals. So me saying Lambert is not great isn't me saying he's bad it's just not his greatest asset or anywhere near it. 

People seem to assume he's a great target man and he scores from crosses - he doesn't do that any more than Suarez or Sturridge - although he's not similar in how he plays to either of those 2 either. His strengths are laying the ball off and playing it on the ground - similar to an old school number 10.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

He heads the ball well though. Of strikers in the Premier League, he would be up amongst the top 5 at the very least.

[liverbnz]

I don't agree. Not even close. He scored 1 in every 12 headed attempts last season with the season average for the pl being around 10%-12%. That hints at below average and not top 5.

[Fernando]

It doesn't matter Liver. It's a stat and according to most here they count for nothing see my example below    People believe what they want to. Hermann Hreidarsson > Ashley Cole   

It's an American thing, they don't understand the complexities of football so have to resort to laziness.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Those stats dont really mean anything. Tangibly adds nothing to the technique and quality of a headed goal. I think youve only watched bits of Rickie Lambert, especially in this season too where the style didnt dictate to headed goals. Carroll is better in the air, but I can't think of many more. His technique on headers is near to perfect.

Probably need to have seen a bit more of him before his Prem spell, but hes very good with his head.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Gimme stats in context Nando and we'll have a discussion.

[liverbnz]

If people understand the limitation of stats then they can be a. Very useful tool. They can't be used to prove everything in football but at the same time shouldn't be disregarded. Either extreme is pretty ignorant or 'lazy'.

[liverbnz]

Those stats dont really mean anything. Tangibly adds nothing to the technique and quality of a headed goal. I think youve only watched bits of Rickie Lambert, especially in this season too where the style didnt dictate to headed goals. Carroll is better in the air, but I can't think of many more. His technique on headers is near to perfect.

Probably need to have seen a bit more of him before his Prem spell, but hes very good with his head.

You can't really assume how much I have or haven't seen of Lambert. As much as most than aren't fans of clubs he's played for if guess.

His technique can't be 'near perfect' if he scores 1 in 12 when the elite are 1 in 5/6. In comparison to Dzeko, Negredo, Giroud, Bony, Fletcher, benteke, adebayor and a whole host of defenders he's not that great. From what I've seen he jumps well but often mistimes his headers. 

But the bare-faced fact of it all is that he doesn't score that many headed goals - despite attempting a hell of a lot (more than anyone else last season despite Southampton's style) so how you can judge technique on so little evidence is a mystery to me. 

So if he scores few, attempts loads but his 'technique is good' it doesn't strike me as top 5.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

I can judge his technique just having watched quite a bit of him, especially in the Championship. I suppose it also depends how we're talking. I mean a clean header of the ball who can generate power. I would gamble that Lambert is gonna head a ball more firmly than all of those if he were to be generating the power. Your stats can tell you what happened in hi attempts this year, but no other context.

The slight difference is the elite play for elite teams. The service is undoubtedly better. I mean, Carroll is a fantastic header of the ball but the supply he gets from us is generally crap.

The difference I would have here is that I think Giroud, Fletcher, Benteke and Bony for me probably score a lot more of the headed type of goals than any striker scores anyway, where its all about just getting the finishing touch. I would suggest Lambert is more likely to score the type of headers your standard striker won't likely score. The ones where you generate it or you dominate in the air. I can find you a good few examples online. That Scotland one still stands out; you won't see Sturridge, Suarez scoring those, nor Giroud.

[Guest]

At the end of the day, this signing will be small fry come July. Lambert is nothing special, he's a backup player now, having sacrificed first team action for a big career ending pay packet, sitting on the bench. If Suarez remains fit, we won't even be seeing Lambert next season, apart from little cameo roles or cup games. Throw all the stats around, this isn't a big signing or actually big news in general EPL terms.

[liverbnz]

I think we should agree to disagree then  although again Suarez scored from outside the box with a header. Doesn't mean he's good at heading. 

John, I'll bet we'll see a lot more of Lambert than you think. 46 games minimum we will have next season. He'll likely play a 3rd of those I'd guess.

[The Special Juan]

Peaople can come up with statistics to prove anything.  Forfty percent of all people know that.

[GSC]

"Anyone can make up statistics"-Jesus

[The Special Juan]

"Anyone can make up statistics"-Jesus

Is that in the bible?

[Dolphin Ziggler]

I think we should agree to disagree then  although again Suarez scored from outside the box with a header. Doesn't mean he's good at heading. 

John, I'll bet we'll see a lot more of Lambert than you think. 46 games minimum we will have next season. He'll likely play a 3rd of those I'd guess.

Indeed, though I would go have a look at some of those goals. Its textbook power technique heading. I can already see him knocking in a few Gerrard crosses.

I think he'll get a decent amount of games. Cup games, teams like Leicester, Burnley etc, cameos late.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

"Anyone can make up statistics"-Jesus

Is that in the bible?

According to sky sports yes

[Hammersmith harrier]

Hernandez isn't a great header(er) of the ball but he scores his fair share because he's in the right place at the right time, give him a headed opportunity outside of the 6 yard box and the lack of power he generates lets him down. The thing is though he isn't that kind of forward so doesn't get many opportunities, Lambert being strong in the air ends up with far more speculative attempts nearer the penalty spot.

[compelling and rich]

Hernandez isn't a great header(er) of the ball but he scores his fair share because he's in the right place at the right time, give him a headed opportunity outside of the 6 yard box and the lack of power he generates lets him down. The thing is though he isn't that kind of forward so doesn't get many opportunities, Lambert being strong in the air ends up with far more speculative attempts nearer the penalty spot.

i would say he's a very poor header, normally go in off his neck, back of his head, face. pretty much everything other than his forehead!!

[Guest]

Anyway, talking about signings of first team players, instead of back-up players, we've agreed a £6.5m deal for Remy Cabella. Montpellier wanted £14m in January   

The rebuild begins   

[Kurt N. Jurqa]

Good buy that potentially, what is it though with French players and Newcastle?

[Dolphin Ziggler]

I suppose once you get a few then it becomes easier to keep them coming. Gomis' agent (the lovely McKay) has said he's talking to 5 clubs, and one that has bid for him before has come in with a really serious offer.

[Hammersmith harrier]

It's affordability as well for teams like Newcastle, cheaper to extensively scout France than casting the net further afield and buying from France is cheaper than than from the European powerhouses.

[Fernando]

Anyway, talking about signings of first team players, instead of back-up players, we've agreed a £6.5m deal for Remy Cabella. Montpellier wanted £14m in January   

The rebuild begins   

The Montpellier Chairman begs to Differ.

Laurent Nicollin confirms that Montpellier have rejected an €8m offer for Remy Cabella from Newcastle United. Talks to continue.

[Guest]

He`s a tool. He hates Newcastle, not just as a club but he also slated the city & the people back in January. Fact is, Remy Cabella`s contract is running down, he stayed to keep them up & now wants to leave. I'm pretty sure a deal has been agreed or will be very soon.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

As much as I would support the Lambert move, aint half underwhelming to read who they are linked with. Bertrand, Lambert, Lallana, Lovren. Looks like a team attempting to break the top 6.

[hampo17]

Talk on twitter that Liverpool representatives have met with Barcelona today to discuss a move for Alexis Sanchez, would be a fantastic signing if true, can't see it sadly.

[Fernando]

If you believe Sky Italia he's agreed terms with Juventus.

[hampo17]

Yeah I saw that as well, £20m is the fee Barca want apparently.

[Fernando]

If that's the case id expect that other sides will be involved in this, Could very much see Arsene dusting off the chequebook at that price, He seems to be after a winger with Di Maria,Pedro,Cuadrado linked to us

Di Maria has endeared himself to Gooners already: "It hurts when you’re always doing your best for your club and then you hear that you might be going to Tottenham," Di Maria told Spanish paper Marca.

[compelling and rich]

would snap your hand off for sanchez at united, miles better than nani, young, valencia

[LastDamnation]

I thought alexis sanchez was off to juve?

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Rumours saying Colback wants to stay in the North East and, as such, is on his way to the Toon

[liverbnz]

Hernandez isn't a great header(er) of the ball but he scores his fair share because he's in the right place at the right time, give him a headed opportunity outside of the 6 yard box and the lack of power he generates lets him down. The thing is though he isn't that kind of forward so doesn't get many opportunities, Lambert being strong in the air ends up with far more speculative attempts nearer the penalty spot.

Hernandez has scored some fantastic headed goals - one with the back of his head was as good as I ever seen. And that 'analysis' of Lambert is just nonsensical. He gets his chances the same as every other striker. He just scores less than your average one.

[Guest]

Rumours saying Colback wants to stay in the North East and, as such, is on his way to the Toon

Not sure what to make of that. Decent, versatile squad player on a free, but a little underwhelming.

[Guest]

would snap your hand off for sanchez at united, miles better than nani, young, valencia

Not difficult. I'm better than the three of them

Seems we're being linked with two dutch wingers (or at least I think they're wingers) Memphis Depay and Quincy Promes

[compelling and rich]

would snap your hand off for sanchez at united, miles better than nani, young, valencia

Not difficult. I'm better than the three of them

Seems we're being linked with two dutch wingers (or at least I think they're wingers) Memphis Depay and Quincy Promes

to be fair i wouldnt mind a youngster, its how we have done well in the past. promes certainly looked talented the other night even if it was only scotland u21's. not seen much of depay, although heard good things about them

[hampo17]

So Liverpool upped their offer for Lalana from £20m to £25m last night according to Sky sources, he's a good player no doubt just not worth that much.

[Guest]

Rumours saying Colback wants to stay in the North East and, as such, is on his way to the Toon

Not sure what to make of that. Decent, versatile squad player on a free, but a little underwhelming.

Not sure we will offer him 50k, I'd rather get Gomis on a higher wage. Gomis will be a difference maker in this league with his goals, Colback isn't.

[Guest]

would snap your hand off for sanchez at united, miles better than nani, young, valencia

Not difficult. I'm better than the three of them

Seems we're being linked with two dutch wingers (or at least I think they're wingers) Memphis Depay and Quincy Promes

to be fair i wouldnt mind a youngster, its how we have done well in the past. promes certainly looked talented the other night even if it was only scotland u21's. not seen much of depay, although heard good things about them

I think that's what we might see, bring in a few young players, I don't expect him to sign any so called big names at all. The only 'big name' I could have potentially have seen at one point was Kroos, but that's gone now. I wouldn't be surprised if any of our signings (Shaw aside should that come off) wont be young dutch players and I can see Van Gaal attempting to bring in Martins Indi, Clasie, Strootman at some point

[Ent]

Loading the squad with Dutch players is very dangerous when lvg will only be about for 3 years.

Needs to be a balance.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Rumours saying Colback wants to stay in the North East and, as such, is on his way to the Toon

Not sure what to make of that. Decent, versatile squad player on a free, but a little underwhelming.

Not sure we will offer him 50k, I'd rather get Gomis on a higher wage. Gomis will be a difference maker in this league with his goals, Colback isn't.

I doubt you will, but we were only offering the £45k anyway and the difference is he'll take lower money to stay up north.

Funny thing is, of all the teams involved, only you and Sunderland really need Gomis. God knows what is gonna happen at the Toon this year if they can't find a striker.

[Guest]

Loading the squad with Dutch players is very dangerous when lvg will only be about for 3 years.

Needs to be a balance.

I agree mate. But I can see it happening

[Guest]

God knows what is gonna happen at the Toon this year if they can't find a striker

We'd be relegated, simple as. I think Ashley needs to gamble on Gomis now & offer him the wages he desires. It looks like we are missing out on Grenier, with Roma now entering talks apparently.

[GSC]

Loading the squad with Dutch players is very dangerous when lvg will only be about for 3 years.

Needs to be a balance.

I agree mate. But I can see it happening

You could target Daivid van Moyes as his successor

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