EPL News: Javier Mascherano transfer to Barcelona?
All the rumours, speculation and statements that had been made in reference to Liverpool’s midfielder Javier Mascherano leaving Anfield might just turn into smoke. Well at least that is what Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has in mind and his word is the law at Anfield these days.
It seems that the ruler of Merseyside has no intentions of letting the Argentinean captain play for anyone else but for the Kop. There have been constant requests by the 26-year-old Argentinean maestro to join Inter Milan but not a word about his future has been clearly stated by Hodgson.
All experts and spectators had stated that the departure of Mascherano to San Siro was inevitable but Hodgson has yet to learn the word “impossible”. The Englishman has already performed more than a couple of miracles for the Merseyside during the summers and is now planning for another.
He has managed to sign in Serbian star Milan Jovanovic under a tight budget. Then came the prized signing of former Chelsea player Joe Cole followed by Steven Gerrard’s confirmation that he will stay loyal to Liverpool. Good news started flowing in after that as a Chinese group became interested in buying Liverpool. The deal is expected to be sealed before the transfer window closes on 31st August.
All seemed good but one major issue was still left unresolved at the Scousers and that was if the world class Spanish striker Fernando Torres would stay and play for Liverpool in the coming season. Hodgson had been pursuing him as soon as he was confirmed as the manager of Liverpool. However, the coveted forward has been good at evading him. The FIFA 2010 World Cup gave him a break that was helped with Spain becoming the World Champions while Torres got himself an injury in the final moments of the final.
At last Hodgson caught up with El Nino who had been making controversial statements about Liverpool even before the end of last season. A day after the meeting, Hodgson relayed Torres had informed him he had a “beef” with the club from the past. Hodgson contradicted himself by saying that Torres had confirmed that he would be playing for Liverpool.
The news encouraged others to stay at Liverpool to other players. However, Mascherano who has been demanding a transfer to Champions League victors Inter Milan where his former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is waiting for the player to come.
It is no secret that Benitez and Mascherano have had a great understanding between themselves and they have both wanted to work together again.
Media reports from Argentina are suggesting that the world class midfielder has agreed upon a deal with Barcelona. However, when Hodgson was questioned about his fate, he was emphatic, stating that Liverpool had not agreed upon any deals. Therefore until they do, Mascherano will be staying at Anfield.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's match against Arsenal, he said the arrival of Christian Poulsen does not mean Mascherano is about to be sold. He said, "At the moment Javier Mascherano has shown no signs of going.”
On the issue Hodgson stated, “It's not a question of 'are you going to replace Mascherano?' I believe Javier will play for us and Christian Poulsen will play for us. I'm happy to have both players. This is a big club with a lot of games to play this year”.
Hodgson also dismissed ideas that Poulsen was a replacement for Mascherano, “We talk about football (Mascherano and himself) and he's made no indication further to the meeting when I came here that he would like to leave”.
He added, “He's been getting on with his work and training properly. As far as I'm concerned, he is a Liverpool player and will be until the day someone signs him and that does not seem to be imminent”.
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