In Pursuit of Lallana, Worth it?

Article by e-Liverpool Correspondent Franklin Sagini

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Despite the recent departure of Rickie Lambert to Liverpool, Southampton football club are maintaining a firm stance regarding any future departures from the club. Lallana is thought to be upset on how the club handled Lambert’s transfer swiftly but have stalled with his. But the board felt they could not stand on Lambert’s way for what can be described as ‘the fulfilment of a boyhood dream’. Rickie Lambert was allowed to leave after years of service to fulfil a childhood dream to play for Liverpool, which at 32 was his last opportunity to do so.

But for Lallana, it’s a different story. The club still feels he can achieve his dream of playing in Europe with the club. Despite his years of service to the south coast outfit, the board feels he still has a lot to offer to his boyhood club. They recently came out boldly and said they don’t need to sell. ‘We are staying true to our plan and vision’ that was their promise to the saints faithful. Liverpool FC has been known to be on the look out for the marquee breed of British talent. Although their recent purchases of Andy Carroll and Co. by King Kenny proved futile, their love affair with the British players didn’t stop there. Liverpool have been in talks over the past few weeks with the saints over a possible move to bring Lallana to the Merseyside but a deal is yet to be agreed.

Despite the reds upping their initial bid from £20m to £25m, the saints still don’t look moved. And it is rumoured that Southampton have slapped a price tag of close to £30m as their asking price for them to part with their prized asset.

Lallana is thought to be keen on making the switch to Merseyside and has made the board aware of his ambitions. There are claims that the board even ignored his calls. But Lallana has reportedly told them he will leave the club after the tournament in Brazil. But time is running out for both Liverpool and Lallana. For Southampton, they are ready to do business after the World Cup because they strongly believe his value will have risen after the tournament and more clubs may join the race to what might become a tug of war. Liverpool FC made it clear that it was their final offer ‘take it or leave it’ nature. They have since threatened to move on and consider other alternatives abroad.

For Lallana, time seems to be running out since Southampton is playing hardball. It was Liverpool’s plan to get the job done before the world cup begins in Brazil, so if a move is to materialize, Lallana should hand in a transfer request. That is highly unlikely considering he is the team’s skipper; the fans favourite and he recently signed a long term contract with the Saints. Lallana hoped that his loyalty with the club for all the years would convince the board to hand him his wish to play in the champions League.

But the biggest question to the Reds is, is he worth all that chunk of money? With £25m Liverpool can land themselves a world class talent abroad, talent that has been proven in the champions league. Take a look at Alexis Sanchez for example, his stats are more appealing to the eye than Lallana’s, He has displayed consistent performances for the Catalans since making his switch from Udinese. He is a Champions League winner. He brings that experience on the table.

Besides that, Xherdan Shaqiri ‘Spiderman’ also fits the bill although being used sparingly by Guardiola last season. But after failing to cement a regular action last season, he has stated that he is ready to leave, with England his favourable destination. At 22 years he is yet to reach his peak. The world cup bound Swiss ace is being touted as cost-effective and one of Europe’s top emerging wide attacking talents.

Lallana just turned 26.He has just hit his peak and I doubt whether he can improve from where he is right now. British players are usually overpriced and overrated. The same can be said of Lazar Markovic, the Serbian magician. He is just a mere 20 years old and far from reaching his peak. Although Benfica have slapped a £30m price tag, they are willing to do business for close to £20m. The Reds having wasted their time for two weeks now, should they resume talks after the world cup or just move on? I suggest they should move on to secure other targets and bolster their squad before panic builds up. They can’t afford to waste their time anymore.

Lallana had a stellar season, we respect that, but that is just one season. He is not proven; although I agree he will add value to the current reds team. In all fairness it will be Lallana’s loss if a deal can’t be agreed. Whether a deal will be struck eventually or not, it remains to be seen, well, it may end up to be one of the interesting transfer sagas this summer. Will Lallana do a Bale and alienates himself from the squad or will Saints do a Liverpool and stick with him? Neither should be a big concern for Liverpool since they offer Champions League football and have got the money, so attracting a top class talent will be a lot easier than last summer.

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