Liverpool FC Forum

Posted: **Sun Apr 23, 2006 5:04 pm**

Liverpool have agreed a deal for Argentina midfielder Leandro Daniel Somoza who will sign for a fee in the region of £2million.
The highly-rated midfielder currently plays his football with Argentine outfit Velez Sarsfield but will arrive at Anfield in time for the start of next season.
Rafael Benitez has been tracking the 24-year-old for some time and believes he will add more quality to his midfield as the Reds boss looks to try and close the gap on Chelsea next season.

The arrival of Somoza could spell the end of Dietmar Hamann who could now be forced to look for another club when the transfer window opens.

Somoza will be the first of many arrivals at Anfield this summer as Benitez looks to strengthen all areas of his squad.

not heard anything about him... any views?

(hope rafa goes for aguero as well)

Posted: **Sun Apr 23, 2006 5:06 pm**

Source?

Posted: **Sun Apr 23, 2006 5:08 pm**

john craig wrote:Source?

hp m8

sorry!

http://www.newsnow.co.uk/cgi/NGoto/139360247?-11194

Posted: **Sun Apr 23, 2006 5:10 pm**

I wouldn't like to see Hamann go, because he a great squad player with vast experience.

Hopefully that highly rated Argentenian midfielder can hack it in the premiership.

Anyone knows if he has caps?

Posted: **Sun Apr 23, 2006 5:14 pm**

red37 wrote:
john craig wrote:Source?

hp m8

Posted: **Sun Apr 23, 2006 5:23 pm**

interesting. anyone know anything about him. ive never heard of the guy. i dont want didi to leave either. awesome midfielder when you need a calm head or some experience

Posted: **Sun Apr 23, 2006 5:25 pm**

Haven't got a clue about Samoza (except that his name makes me kinda hungry) but Hamann is getting on a bit and although he hasn't lost any of his tackling skill or passing ability he is losing his pace. He's a legend and will go down as one Houlliers rare great buys. He's been a wonderful servant and I hope that one day he becomes a coach or maybe even a manager, but maybe it is time to seek a replacement. This kid's gonna have some giant shoes to fill if it's true.

Posted: **Sun Apr 23, 2006 7:36 pm**

Can't find too much on him (in english) but apparently Reggina and Anderlecht were interested in him .

It's heartening to see that the Spanish / Argentinian connection could be paying dividends for LFC .

Posted: **Sun Apr 23, 2006 7:59 pm**

there is as woof says very little info out there at the moment about this player? maybe someone from overseas can comment.

here is a picture:

Posted: **Sun Apr 23, 2006 9:59 pm**

I live in Argentina, but don't follow the league much at all really. Somoza is rated highly here, though, from what I've heard and understand. I asked my father about him (he's retired and doesn't have much else to do but watch footy, and read about footy), and he was surprised at the transfer fee I told him I saw quoted. Said he thought it was a bit low. Anyway, with that said...he isn't even Velez's best player. Castroman is.
I've seen Velez play a number of times, but never really paid much attention to be honest. I know of 4-5 key players, but not him. I'm going to start paying attention now, I guess.

They're playing Boca right now, but unfortunately he wasn't in the starting line-up. I think he's either injured or suspended. That is all I can add, which isn't much...but whatever.

If you want some info you probably won't come across, ex-Velez Sarsfield player Chilavert (the paraguayan goalkeeper who is famous for scoring tons of free kicks and penalties), has been trying to buy him and Castroman from Velez Sarsfield recently. People and companies buying players and then selling them off to European teams is big business in South America. I guess Chilavert wanted to get in on the action.

Posted: **Sun Apr 23, 2006 10:18 pm**

Castroman. Sounds like a communist superhero. Sounds cool.

Posted: **Sun Apr 23, 2006 10:28 pm**

Hope he can hack it in the Premiership and have we actually signed that defender aswell from argentina or was that just rumours?

Posted: **Sun Apr 23, 2006 10:28 pm**

thanks specialist... i guess we'll all find out over the next few weeks.

Posted: **Sun Apr 23, 2006 10:30 pm**

Proudy wrote:Hope he can hack it in the Premiership and have we actually signed that defender aswell from argentina or was that just rumours?

As far as I know we have actually signed him. Gabriel Paletta, I think his name is and he comes from Banfield.

Posted: **Mon Apr 24, 2006 3:39 am**

Ooh boy..

I feel a strong strong South American flavor invading Liverpool.

May it be awesome.

Viva los... ..South American people!

Liverpool FC Forum

Argentine ace to reds - Somoza

Argentine ace to reds - Somoza