VARIOUS media outlets, including Touchline Talk has reported that Liverpool FC are set to hold talks over the possibility of signing Japanese playmaker Keisuke Honda.
Honda appeared likely to sign a contract extension to stay in Russia last month, however since then talks have broken down and Brendan Rodgers is hoping to acquire the 26 year old on a Bosman transfer as Honda’s contract runs out at the end of the season.
Widely regarded as one of Asia’s greatest players, Honda has scored 23 goals in 96 appearances for the Russian club and for a club that has been chastised for overspending in recent seasons, the prospect of such a great talent coming to Anfield free of charge will be mouth watering for Reds fans.
Honda’s league form is not the only reason he is so special, he shone in the 2010 World Cup and has been continuously impressive ever since South Africa.
It appears that Rodgers’ main interest in Honda is his ability to play across the front line, and if he is able to properly forge a bond with players such as Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge or even Philippe Coutinho, he will prove to be a formidable addition to the squad.
Director of CSKA Roman Babaev has confirmed that the former VVV Venlo player will be leaving at the end of the season, but that he is reluctant to let him go:
“We tried to extend his contract, but we can’t force him. It is up to him what happens next.”
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As I mentioned in a response to an earlier article that mentioned Honda – he’s a wonderful player and I wish we had signed him 3 years ago. You never know how a player from abroad will settle into the Premier League but this boy is classy. Has had some injury issues but 23 goals in 93 appearances is very good for a player who mostly plays wide. His main asset though is his ability to create chances, much more of an advanced playmaker than a winger. Hope these rumours are true!
Sign him fast, Liverpool need this kind of superstar.
He will have a bigger impact than Kagawa for Liverpool. IMO Kagawa should have started against Real after his hattrick.
Honda has more awareness and ability to make assists than Allen and Henderson. On top of that he had lethal longshots and freekicks which we haven’t scored much from this season.
Unlike Kagawa, Honda has the physical frame and strength to fit in well!
Absolutely. He also has the ability to dribble past a player, though not sure how recent injuries have affected his pace.
Honda, Alexis Sanchez…sure i will believe it when i see it !! If it gets close, bet spurs will hijack the move !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xHGXp-9HME
On a free this should be done now and announced at the end of the season, as Honda can speak to foreign clubs legally since January!!!
I HAVE BEEN WATCHING FOR A FEW SEASONS NOW NOW SIBCE LIVERPOOL WERE LINKED TO HIM HE IS BRILLIANT VERY AWARE TACTICALLY VERY GOOD ON TOP OF THAT BEING A BOSMAN FREE TRANSFER ITS A NO BRAINER LIVERPOOL SHOULDN’T LET THIS GO FINGERS CROSSED