Liverpool FC Forum

by **Fingaz007** » Fri Jun 25, 2004 6:11 pm

African Footballer of the Year Samuel Eto'o will not be on his way to Liverpool in the summer, according to the player's agent.

New Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez is a known admirer of the Cameroon striker and attempted to sign him from Real Mallorca, Eto'o's current club, last season when Benitez was in charge of Valencia.

But the fact that Liverpool already have forwards Michael Owen, Milan Baros, Harry Kewell and Djibril Cisse - who is poised to join from Auxerre - appears to have edged out Eto'o.

"I was in contact with Benitez and he let me know that he has a lot of players for that position. There is Michael Owen and they signed Cisse this summer," said agent Jose Mesas.

"His idea is not to strengthen the team in that area, although we all know Benitez really likes Eto'o."

Atletico Madrid now appear the favourites to sign Eto'o, with Barcelona also rumoured to be interested.

Eto'o's goals were the principal reason for Mallorca beating the drop last term - he managed 17 goals in 31 Primera Liga matches.

"Barcelona has been mentioned but not just with Samuel, with five or six other players as well. They are talking about Luis Fabiano, Henrik Larsson and a lot more," continued Mesas.

"But I think that Atletico are going to fight to the end to sign the player and if their first offer was not accepted, Atletico will work to improve it.

"It looks as if we'll have to wait a bit longer or see if the two clubs can move a bit closer."

ALSO

Liverpool Football Club are being heavily linked with a move for Czech superstar Tomas Rosicky.

The £4m-rated 23-year-old is keen to leave current employers Borussia Dortmund, and sources in Europe insist a switch to the Premiership tops his list of priorities.

New Liverpool Football Club coach Rafael Benitez is understood to be monitoring the movements of midfield ace Rosicky, currently excelling for the Czech Republic at Euro 2004.

The playmaker has made it clear he is on his way out of Borussia and Anfield is tipped to be his next port of call.

Benitez tried to lure Rosicky to Valencia whilst in charge at the Mestalla, and he is now expected to get his man at the second time of asking at Liverpool Football Club.

ALSO
BENITEZ LINES UP HERRERA
New Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has sounded out Spanish coach Paco Herrera about going to Anfield to work as his number two.

Herrera has gained a host of experience working in the Spanish lower leagues having had spells in charge of Badajoz, Numancia, Merida, Albacete, Polideportivo Ejido and Recreativo de Huelva.

Herrera is understood to be very keen to take up the opportunity, and is waiting for a confirmed offer from Anfield.

Benitez initially wanted to take his entire coaching team from Valencia with him to Merseyside, but found that his number two at the Mestalla, Antonio Lopez, was reluctant to move to England.

It had been suggested he would promote Sammy Lee to become his assistant, but it now seems he has identified Herrera as the man he wants to work with.

The Liverpool board are understood to be mulling over Benitez's request, and a decision on whether or not Herrera is heading to the club will be taken in the next 48 hours.

However, it seems unlikely that they will oppose the wishes of their new manager as he seeks to assemble his own coaching team.

by **banana** » Fri Jun 25, 2004 6:38 pm

Maybe we should have signed Etoo instead of Cisse? He is probably a lot cheaper and is more of a team player.

by **JBG** » Fri Jun 25, 2004 10:41 pm

From what I have seen Eto and Cisse are very similar players. Its hard to say who's the better, as Eto plays in a far stronger league, but might lack some of Cisse's gifts.

Cisse's signing could be a big gamble: £14m is a lot for Liverpool to be spending on one player.

by **supersub** » Sat Jun 26, 2004 10:16 am

we will have all sorts of players putting themselves forward for a big money move to Anfield.Rumours will be rife.

by **begintoend** » Sun Jun 27, 2004 8:18 am

We had a chance to bring him here earlier, think it was before kewell. Houllier snubbed him.

Etoo would have become a really great player. Mallorca was lucky to have him.

The way he plays and how he has helped the club was very very impressive. This fella is just great.

Sadly yet again, he's not coming....

by **chiggz_likes_owen** » Sun Jun 27, 2004 11:48 am

His he a right winger Rosicky?

Liverpool FC Forum

No room for eto'o at anfield

Who is online