LIVERPOOL FC are believed to be interested in signing highly rated Algerian international midfielder Ryad Boudebouz.
The 22 year old, who was born in France, had been heavily capped by Les Bleus at various youth levels before accepting the call to play for his country of origin, and already has a wealth of experience for one so young.
The Sochaux youngster, having made his league debut at the age of 18, has already racked up over 130 Ligue 1 appearances at the club.
Boudebouz, who was part of the Algeria squad at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, confirmed his potential in a break-through season with his club in 2010/11.
Sochaux, a club normally involved in the relegation dogfight finished 5th that season and Boudebouz bagged eight goals and eight assists from a wide midfield berth. Unfortunately for Sochaux they were unable to keep that squad together as players were picked-off by bigger clubs and, following the side’s poor league form this term, the 22 year old Boudebouz is ready to move on.
Lille, Lyon and Marseille have all been alerted to the player, who has been described as having great trickery, skill and creativity, but Liverpool are also believed to be keen on him, with reports suggesting that the Anfield club, despite being manager-less, have made contact with the player’s representatives.
In comments made to Sky Sports after Algeria’s 3-0 friendly win over Niger, Boudebouz himself stated:
“Certainly, my agent is in talks with some clubs, particularly in France, but there is still nothing concrete. There is also Liverpool, who have initiated discussions with my agent, but at the risk of repeating myself, everything is in the discussion stage, no more.”
Meanwhile, reports in Italian newspaper the Corriere dello Sport suggest that the Reds are set to launch a double swoop for Napoli duo Edinson Cavani and Ezequiel Lavezzi. The pair, who caught the eye in the Italian side’s run to the Champions League knock-out stages, are believed to have re-surfaced on the Anfield club’s radar following Napoli’s failure to qualify for next season’s tournament.
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The report, which has also been referenced in the Guardian, says that Liverpool are prepared to pay £60 million to land the two South Americans. Cavani who’s scored 66 goals in 94 appearances for the Neapolitan side could be tempted by the opportunity to play alongside fellow Uruguayans Luis Suarez and Sebastien Coates.
Lavezzi has become an integral part of Napoli’s attacking philosophy. His dribbling ability, pace, vision and knack for scoring goals has seen him cement his place in the team and he has been the perfect foil for Cavani and Hamsik. With 11 goals and 11 assists last season Lavezzi maybe the perfect fit for a Liverpool side lacking in goals and individual flair.
You can catch Neil on Twitter @Neil1980 or on his blog http://itsallinthegameblog.wordpress.com/
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LOL, yeah we’ll buy them and Messi with Pep as manager. Wow, what utter BS. Great story, cheered me up on a Monday
… both hahahaha, still finding it funny.
Why u gotta hurt our feelings with these stories!! we all know its not going to happen so why play with our emotions like this!!
These stories appear to be instigated by players’ agents to see market reaction. The Algerian may be realistic for LFC but he is the sort of player FSG should avoid. Good technical ability but no determination to win, poor teamwork, etc.
It’s important Mr. Ayre and FSG get the balance right during this summer. We need players not just with technical ability but with a winning mentality – in short, a Gerrard, a Suarez or a Jay Spearing with technical ability and we need them in DM, CM, Wings and up front!!!
FSG appear to be using the mushroom approach towards the fans – keep them in the dark and feed them a diet of s–t.
Martinez is the Manager, Van Gael is the director of football. there now, how hard was that to say.
‘The pair are believed to have re-surfaced on the Anfield clubs radar following Napoli’s failure to qualify for next season’s CL.’
Oh right and they’ll head to Anfield where they’ll get CL footy, all the way to next years final.
It’s easy to be a critic I know, but why make it sooo easy. I want a challange!!