Mascherano set to leave Liverpool
After having talks with Liverpool Manager Roy Hodgson, Argentine International Javier Mascherano has made it clear that he wants to leave the club and go to Inter Milan. Hodgson is yet to confirm what stance Liverpool are going to take but since the player has made his position clear, there is little doubt that the manager will be able to stop him from leaving, provided a suitable bid is made from the Italian and European Champions.
Mascherano had a very disappointing season with Liverpool last season, as the club finished seventh, failing to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. The World Cup was no better for the Argentina Captain, who saw his team being thrashed 4-0 by the Germans in the first knock out round.
With the man who brought Mascherano to the club, Rafael Benitez, leaving for Inter Milan, it always looked like the Argentine would be following him to the new club. Although it is difficult to see where Mascherano will fit in at Inter Milan, he is only 26 years old and with an ageing midfield, an investment in him could be seen as one for the future by Inter’s Club President, Massimo Moratti.
Hodgson, it has been reported, laid out the plans he had at Liverpool for Mascherano but the Argentine apparently has his heart set on a move to Italy and nothing is going to change his mind. One man who could be influential in Mascherano’s decision is Diego Maradona. The Argentina Legend and current National Coach has a close bond with the player and it is common knowledge that Mascherano asks Maradona for advice about issues on and off the field.
After Mourinho’s departure, a move to Inter does not hold the same value as it may have had if the Portuguese manager was to stay there. The European Champions also have a fairly settled squad and it is difficult to see why Mascherano would give up first team football at one of the best leagues in the world in order to move to the Serie A and sit on the Inter Milan bench.
The transfer is far from complete though, as an agreement between the clubs is yet to be reached. Liverpool will be looking to get as much as possible for the defensive midfielder, since their team is in an urgent need for some additions after being very unimpressive last season.
With the arrival of Joe Cole on a free transfer and some money from the sale of Yossi Benayoun, Liverpool’s transfer funds will increase substantially if Mascherano was sold. Hodgson has already announced his intention to add to the squad but he may not have anticipated the departure of one of his most important players. With the future of star striker, Fernando Torres still doubtful, Hodgson will want a quick resolution to the uncertainty surrounding Mascherano as it could be a distracting influence on the squad during the pre-season.
If given the choice, Roy Hodgson would most certainly like to keep Torres at the club and cash in on the replaceable Mascherano. Whether that’s how it will work out, remains to be seen. The matter should be clearer in a few weeks, as clubs try to wrap up their transfers before the window closes in September.
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