Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has a big decision to make in January – whether or not to sell Lucas Leiva to Inter Milan.
Serie A giants Inter Milan are looking to do some smart business in January, having already signed Lukas Podolski on loan from Arsenal. Speculations are rife about Lucas’ future after it was reported that Inter are planning to lodge a bid for Lucas within next few days, per Dominic King of The Daily Mail.
“Inter Milan are ready to step up their pursuit of Lucas Leiva and leave Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers with a big decision.
Roberto Mancini is a firm admirer of the Brazil midfielder and has made clear his ambition to take the 28-year-old to the San Siro during this transfer window to help Inter’s pursuit of a Champions League place. The Italian club are expected to make a bid in the next 24 hours.
Had Inter shown their interest in the summer, Rodgers would not have stood in his way but the situation is not straightforward now as Lucas, who has two-and-a-half years left on his Anfield contract, has been a key figure in helping stabilise Liverpool’s results.
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Lucas has complicated the matter, add fuel to the fire, by posting a cryptic goodbye message on Twitter.
Brendan Rodgers, the Reds manager, claimed prior to Sunderland game that Lucas could be on his out of the club but certainly Liverpool would not entertain any loan bid for the Brazilian midfielder.
“There will be no loan deal for Lucas. We have had nothing as of yet in writing. I have spoken to him. He has been a player who has been in the team so we will look to keep him,” said Rodgers.
Lucas has stopped Sunderland counter attacks in their own half countless times today. Outstanding performance so far. Broken down everything
— AttackoftheKop (@AttackoftheKop) January 10, 2015
Lucas produced a brilliant individual performance against Sunderland and took Twitter after the match, saying “Great win, thanks for everything.”
Grande vitória, obrigado por tudo !!! Great win , thanks for everything !!! — Lucas Leiva (@LucasLeiva87) January 10, 2015
Liverpool must resist all temptations to sell Lucas in January. Had the offer from Inter arrived back in the summer, Liverpool would have no hesitations to seal the deal for the good of all parties involved, but the situation has changed in the last couple of months.
Lucas has not only carved his way to the first team, but he is at the heart of Liverpool’s revival and therefore losing him will be a big blow for Liverpool’s top four aspirations. The 28-year-old may not have a long term future at the club, but he is required till the end of the season.
Selling Lucas would be such a stupid move at this point of the season, unless we are getting a DM. He’s been alright so far. — Šai (@TheEngancheRole) January 12, 2015
Liverpool need Lucas now. There is no alternative for him at this moment. Steven Gerrard, who will leaving next summer, has shown his defensive vulnerabilities while Jordan Henderson’s energy and drive will be wasted if he is to deployed for the defensive roles. Likewise, Joe Allen has struggled with his form and injuries and Emre Can has been used mostly as a centre-back.
In case, Liverpool feel the need to sell him, they must have proper back up or ready made replacement in place. Then again, the new player would have to adjust quickly to the new system, and may not able to deliver instantly.
Liverpool will have a better opportunity to assess on Lucas’ future at the club in summer, where they could command a high transfer value, provided the Brazilian continues to perform at this level.
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