The Liverpool FC Thread XIII

I don't know why this is so unbelievable, we played 3-4-1-2 for a few months last year too.

Rodgers has always been flexible with his formations.

By all means lads, and this is a reply to both of you, his performances justify that kind of money (assuming we're all happy with the amount footballers are paid in general). However, it's more of a case of longevity rather than trying to just save a few bucks. What we don't want is to give him silly money for him to go on a gambling streak, a drug streak, an alcoholic streak, and to think he can rule the word. Let me be categorical, I don't think he would and the above is by no means my opinion of the situation, but I know that that's what they're trying to preclude. It's about conserving the talent for the future. My suggestion would be to provide some sort of financial aid for Sterling and perhaps some sort of savings account. Maybe keep his wages stagnant but add the extra £70k/pw (He's on £35k atm) in to savings accounts that he can access when he's 25? That's probably on the more harsh end of the spectrum, but some sort of financial aid is what these young players need.

Ain't been many big game thrashings this season. To the point that people are hyping wins by 2 goal score lines. Mou needs to stop pussying out in big games and just aim to thrash the opposition.

I think that's quite ridiculous tbh. He's been on 35k for two years now and we've seen no evidence of any kind of gambling or drug streak, or ego trip. We've seen a young player who is completely in tune with his manager and is mature, and hard working.

I don't think that is actually what they're trying to preclude. He's not that young and he's not that youth.

What they're really trying to avoid is the £10m extra cost of giving him 80k as opposed to 120k over a 5 year contract.

Have you seen the 'Being Liverpool' series? Brendan is very aware of the attitude problems Raheem had when he was a bit younger and will be intent to keep him under his wing.

Remember he's a father already and has already been charged with assault in the past (per BBC News: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-23633560) so let's not be under any assumption that the guy is squeaky clean.

Don't get me wrong, I think he's a great player, nice guy when I met him too.

The wage packet won't be a problem. Sure, like any other team they will try and find an equilibrium between the player being happy and them, as a business, saving on costs. We saw with Suarez that they're prepared to pay the big money. Remember, too, that we're losing Gerrard's wages this summer, along with the portion of Aspas' & Luis Alberto's that we pay whilst they're on loan. Besides, how many times has a players contract expired when they sign a new deal? Sterling still has 2 and a half years or something left on his current deal.. It wouldn't amount to £10m as by that time he would either be on a new contract (and if so then he'll be one of our superstars- as he already is, and the money will be meaningless to FSG), or probably if we're being realistic, have been sold.

The problem with giving a 20 year old 120k per week is that players always expect their next contract to be bigger than their last (even if they're playing worse) until at least their 30's. Pay 120k now, and we'll be paying him 400k per week by the time he's 30. I'd offer no more than 80k atm.

If there's any 20 year old in the world that's worth it, it's him.

Definitely a money issue wrt what the club want

If I were Sterling, i'd be demanding whatever Sturridge is on He certainly deserves it.

I think that's quite ridiculous tbh. He's been on 35k for two years now and we've seen no evidence of any kind of gambling or drug streak, or ego trip. We've seen a young player who is completely in tune with his manager and is mature, and hard working.

I don't think that is actually what they're trying to preclude. He's not that young and he's not that youth.

What they're really trying to avoid is the £10m extra cost of giving him 80k as opposed to 120k over a 5 year contract.

Professional footballers on drugs etc is just a lol. Especially at top level. He probably drinks a beer a month or something. So agree on that, and I think it's worth it.

I don't know what the problem is really; he's not going to see out a 5 year contract on that money if he continues developing anyway. (either he'll move or renegotiate) - So either they pay up, or offer him a shorter term deal/deal with a release clause on a bit less and take the risk. I'd pay up personally. Not worth being in a position of weakness a few years down the line with potentially one of the best prospects in football. I suspect it's more about him trying to leverage extra money for lack of clauses, or vice versa than anything else.

Neymar on Coutinho: "He can be the star player in England. This season I think everybody in England is seeing how talented he is—and I know he has a lot more to show."

The problem with giving a 20 year old 120k per week is that players always expect their next contract to be bigger than their last (even if they're playing worse) until at least their 30's. Pay 120k now, and we'll be paying him 400k per week by the time he's 30. I'd offer no more than 80k atm.

precisely.

the issue you have (as others have mentioned) is his age - with each new contract he will demage a wage increase and before you know it, he'll be one of the most well payed players in football.
that being said, he deserves the kind of money we're talking about here simply because of how he performs and his value to our club.

maybe it's a little naive but we should worry about the present, not the future.
the important thing is getting him signed on as quickly as possible.