Football Transfer News: Javier Mascherano to leave Liverpool soon
It’s time up for Javier Mascherano as the winds of change are blowing with full force. The Argentinean captain has allegedly stated to manager Roy Hodgson that he wants to leave Liverpool. The defensive midfielder returned to training with the Premier League club on Monday, after a prolonged vacation since their ouster in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Mascherano was the captain of the highly rated Argentinean side who led his team to the quarterfinals. It was at this stage that Germany thwarted Mascherano’s men with a 4-0 drubbing to kick them out of South Africa. Since that day, the entire Argentinean squad has been on vacation and Javier Mascherano is the first to return to training.
Newly appointed Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson admitted that he was unable to establish any contact with the Argentinean midfielder, which created many speculations regarding the midfielder’s future at Anfield. Hodgson was finally able to meet with the player along with his agent when he returned to the training camp. Owing to some widespread reports, it is believed that talks between the two parties failed and Mascherano expressed his desire to leave Liverpool. Mascherano is one of the most talented defensive midfielders in Europe who is known for his tough tackles and his ability to dictate play. The Argentinean was phenomenal in taking his team to the quarterfinals of South Africa 2010 where he used his experience and speed to dismantle tough oppositions.
The midfielder has been strongly linked for a move to Italian Champions Inter Milan where he would be united with former Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez. A bid in the region of 25 million pounds has been made for the midfielder. The player’s agent, Tamer, previously voiced his opinion regarding the matter, claiming that it would be a dream move for the 26-year-old to play for Inter Milan. The club has just recently won their first ever treble, winning the League, the League Cup and the UEFA Champions League under Jose Mourinho. Mourinho now manages Real Madrid, and Benitez took over after his fall out with Liverpool. Reports claim that Mascherano’s departure would mean Hodgson would be looking for a replacement, and Inter Milan’s Sulley Muntari would be considered as part of the deal for the defensive midfielder.
Hodgson is looking to strengthen his squad, and has already signed Jovanovic and Joe Cole since his arrival at the club. Scott Parker, the highly rated West Ham United midfielder has also been linked to join the Reds by the end of the transfer market.
Mascherano joined Liverpool under Benitez who was considered to be his favourite. The midfielder only spent six months with the Hammers, and has since made 140 appearances for Liverpool with three goals to his name. The midfielder’s services for Liverpool may hurt the club dearly, which is already brimming with a number of crises. The reason behind Mascherano’s departure would be the lack of trophies won by the club, as they haven’t won a single contest since he joined in 2007. The closest that the Reds came to winning was in 2008 when they finished at the second position in the league, behind Manchester United. Liverpool finished at the seventh spot in the league this season. Their “top four” spot was snatched away by Tottenham Hotspurs, who finished at the fourth place. Liverpool ended their Champions League campaign pre-maturely and was knocked out in the first stage. They then looked to win the second tier European competition, but lost in the semi-final from eventual winners Atletico Madrid. The Reds had no success in the League Cup or the FA Cup and therefore finished with no silverware.
After Hodgson’s arrival at the club, the supporters saw a new ray of hope. The manager held talks to retain the key players at the club, including captain Gerrard and star striker Fernando Torres, who both look to be staying. Mascherano would be the first star player from Liverpool to leave the team and the Reds wouldn’t want more of its key players to follow his lead.
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