Red Flag: Suarez Intentions a Source of Concern for Liverpool
It could be an uncomfortable summer on Merseyside, as Liverpool has to determine whether they're buyers or seller on the big stage or if they have to poach their next round of players from below.
Should the Italian giant Juventus fail to sign Luis Suarez from Liverpool in the summer, it has been reported that their next option would be Manchester United’s striker Javier Hernandez.
In this season to date, the Mexican international has struggled to sufficiently impress Sir Alex Ferguson to earn a regular run with the starting XI, given the likes of Danny Welbeck, Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney, who have always been ahead of him of the starter’s squad.
Meanwhile, in Turin, with the addition of Spaniard Fernando Llorente, Juventus coach Antonio Conte is keen to ensure him a partner in the club's strike force. Come summer, Fernando will transfer to Juventus from Athletic Bilbao.
Suarez indicated that he would be open to offers by the end of the season. Besides Juve, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are reported to be in the mix for his services. This will create a sticky situation as Anfield, as Suarez has been a vital component to the Reds' fortunes this season. Liverpool is reluctant to join other big clubs in overpaying for talent, which means qualification for European competition is a priority; it's not only a revenue producer but a sound reason for quality players to consider remaining with them.
In a total of 15 Premier League appearances, the 24-year-old Hernandez has managed to score eight goals for the Old Trafford side this season. The latest rumors have Atletico Madrid considering a bid for his services, and as early as last month, Real Madrid returned to the scene, after making previous overtures that were spurned at the time.
But nowhere in Europe is scrutiny more severe than at the 'Pool. American owners John Henry and Tom Werner haven't had much financial fortune on either side of the Atlantic, what with the Boston Red Sox regressing and Liverpool's growing gap with the whales of European football. Fans on both shores are growing restless, with Liverpool's having a strong head start in that regard.
This shapes up to be a crucial summer if peace is to hold among the ranks of the Red Army.