Liverpool have been linked with a surprise move for former Chelsea striker Samuel Eto’o in Tuesday morning’s newspapers.
Liverpool’s search for a replacement of sorts for the departed Luis Suarez has reportedly covered several big-name stars, with Monaco striker Radamel Falcao joined by PSG man Edinson Cavani—the latest name to be linked is former Chelsea sharpshooter Samuel Eto’o.
The Cameroon international scored nine goals in 21 Premier League appearances for Jose Mourinho’s side last season, and can play anywhere along the front-line, although is primarily a centre-forward.
Andy Hunter, of The Guardian writes that “Liverpool have not made an offer to the former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Internazionale goalscorer as yet, and are discussing several names, but Eto’o has emerged as a possible target.”
The 33-year-old’s reported wage at Chelsea was in the region of £135,000 per week, but Hunter writes that “his wage demands are unlikely to deter Liverpool given the player’s availability on a free transfer.”
Samuel Eto'o celebrating his early goal…#CFC #ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/ux069OBZPd
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 18, 2014
Writing for The Telegraph, Chris Bascombe claims much the same, adding “Ajax are in talks with the former Barcelona and Inter Milan forward, but Rodgers has a pressing need for more firepower and there have been discussions about the merits of a deal for the African.”
“Liverpool have more expensive and younger targets, but price, availability – and in the case of the recent aborted deal for Loic Remy, fitness – have scuppered Rodgers’ plans so far to sign a direct replacement for Luis Suarez.”
Bascombe’s mention of other targets suggests that moves for players such as Cavani and Swansea City striker Wilfried Bony, both previously linked, have been dismissed.
Furthermore, the writer references the current lack of strike options at the club as “in the absence of obvious alternatives it may prove a necessity to ensure Liverpool do not go into a new season with only Daniel Sturridge and Rickie Lambert to choose from.”
Tuesday's back pages..#LFC want Samuel Eto'o: http://t.co/3Al3oOjZQo pic.twitter.com/pNWCaMpSJl
— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 11, 2014
Again, John Cross of the Daily Mirror furthers this speculation, writing “Eto’o, who fell out with Jose Mourinho after the Chelsea boss questioned his age, would like to stay in the Premier League and Liverpool appeals.
“Rodgers wants to bring in one more forward and Eto’o could be an ideal stop gap solution to bolster Liverpool’s impressive list of summer signings.”
Cross once more mentions wages, reference West Ham United’s failed bid for the star: “a potential move to Upton Park broke down when [West Ham] refused to pay more than £40,000-a-week for the free agent.
It will likely take a much higher wage to convince Eto’o a season in Red is the right move.
Chelsea Football Club today also bids farewell to Samuel Eto'o http://t.co/FwFHsMXzEz #CFC pic.twitter.com/Dmzyb4pwt9
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 1, 2014
Whilst the striker is in the latter stages of his career, Eto’o remains a competent goalscorer, and would provide Rodgers with at least another proven, short-term option in lieu of a more suitable target.
Having made his name at clubs such as Inter Milan and Barcelona in the Champions League, perhaps one more roll of the dice for this star striker would benefit Liverpool this season.
Should Liverpool sign Samuel Eto’o this summer? Let us know in the comments below.
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