Liverpool FC Forum

Sissoko snub to Mourinho Jul 11 2005




By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

 



LIVERPOOL fought off a late bid by Chelsea to secure a £5m deal for Mohamed Sissoko, it emerged today.

The Mali international arrived at Melwood for his medical this morning as Reds boss Rafael Benitez enjoyed his second transfer coup within a week over the Premiership champions following their failure to sign Steven Gerrard.

Everton's delay securing 20-year-old Sissoko seven days ago opened the door for Benitez, who has tracked the youngster since he left Valencia.

Chelsea tried to hi-jack the deal at the eleventh hour only for Sissoko, who was expected to be paraded with goalkeeper Jose Reina later today, to pledge his future to Anfield.

"We hope to finalise all the details today and present Sissoko and Reina at a press conference," confirmed Benitez..

"We have been talking with the player since we knew he was available and once we made our move for him we knew how much he wanted to play for us. We also knew it would be difficult to sign him because Everton and another club wanted him.

"I'm delighted he chose Liverpool because he is a good player for the present and the future of the club. He has played right-back but that is not his best position. I see him as a strong central midfielder.

"He plays a high energy game with a high tempo.

"He's young, he's not bad on the ball and he will improve the balance of our team.

"He's had two good years with Valencia where he has won trophies. I know him well and he's a very good player."

Meanwhile Benitez has warned Real Madrid he is now exploring new options on the right of midfield as the Luis Figo deadlock continues.

"That deal is becoming more difficult every day so I'm now looking at other possibilities in that position," said the manager.

john craig wrote:Sissoko will prove to be a very good signing i think.  Not seen that much of him but what i have seen was good.  Quick, strong and good energy for a centre mid.  People could be forgiven for thinking he'll be another Diao, but Diao really only had one good world cup.  This guy has been courted by the top clubs for a few years and looks a genuine prospect. 

The fact Rafa signed him twice says it all i think.  Have to say though that the vieira comparison is something i don't like to see.  Why put extra pressure on a guy of 20 years old?  Rafa must really rate him to say that and i hope it doesn't backfire.

For those sayng we have enough midfielders they are wrong.  We have stevie, xabi and hamann who are out-and-out centre mids so we need one more imo.  Zenden looks like he may be used on the left by Rafa if the wrexham game is anything to go by.  Diao will be sold before the league starts and igor is gone. I like big butts and i cannot lie.

Alonso14 wrote:

Fernando Morientes > 19 < wrote:Yeps it was Rafa who signed garcia on loan for Tenerife in the 2000/2001 season.

You know what Fernando, your a barel of knowledge

john craig wrote:

Alonso14 wrote:I also enjoy large posteriors John 

Ah, the old editing my post trick.

Its dated, but I still have to laugh

I hate life so much, y do i smell like doo doo!