Liverpool FC are going to get linked to a lot of “Steven Gerrard replacements”, so prepare yourself for a summer of these rumors.
Latest to be linked to the Merseysiders is (newly crowned league champion with Paris Saint Germain) Javier Pastore. According to The Metro, Liverpool will make a move for the midfielder
The 25 year-old’s contract expires in 2016 and PSG are rumored to not be very keen on extending his contract (which seems strange given the important part he has played for the Parisians in their league win this season).
As we all know, the Qatari-backed club have a lot of money to invest heavily in the transfer market and ensure their players are on highly lucrative contracts but the constraints of Financial Fair Play means that even clubs like PSG have to be conscious of money and balance their books.
Pastore signed for Italian club Palermo in 2009 and the Italian club beat competition from Manchester United, FC Porto, AC Milan, and Chelsea for the Argentinean. In 2011, PSG signed the highly rated midfielder for a sum in the region a 39.8 million.
Pastore enjoyed a wonderful first season with PSG, scoring 16 goals and grabbing 8 assists in all competitions at the end of it. The subsequent two seasons weren’t particularly good for the midfielder, especially 2013-14 but the 25 year-old really stepped up his game this season and has proved to be an integral part for PSG’s title winning campaign. He has 7 goals and 13 assists in all competitions this season.
A A?14.5million bid from Liverpool will reportedly be enough to secure his services.
The 25-year-old might ask for bigger wages than what Liverpool are willing to offer, but his cut-price fee will definitely tempt the Reds management.
Brendan Rodgers and Steven Gerrard have both recently spoken about the need to sign quality players and Pastore could be that for the Merseysiders. Liverpool’s underwhelming season has more than once shown the need for quality in a very average looking midfield and the Argentinian’s arrival could help the Reds compete in all competitions next season and aim for a top 4 spot. Moreover, anything less than A?20m for the midfielder could be considered a bit of a steal.