Now that the Real Madrid player has completed his loan deal to Anfield has he genuinely turned down Arsenal or did the option never present itself?
Not so long ago I wrote an article posing a question on the topic of Sahin’s potential transfer destination. At the time he looked a dead cert to move to Arsenal and Liverpool were, reportedly, behind in negotiations. The purpose of the article was to highlight not specifically why Sahin should choose Liverpool over Arsenal but more a prediction that he would.
Now it has happened to turn out that Sahin is indeed a Liverpool player; for this season at least. But did he really ‘snub’ Arsenal after all.
When watching Nuri Sahin’s various press conferences he gives the appearance of a very happy man. Speaking good English throughout he highlighted many different reasons why Liverpool was such an alluring place to play football.
The history of Liverpool FC is always a huge lure when a player considers a transfer to Anfield, and Anfield itself carries major significance around the world in its rich historical element; something Brendan Rodgers is trying to reinforce. The historical way of playing for Liverpool has always been a passing game and he has even adopted red nets in the goalposts this season.
So Anfield is steeped in history, prestige and a more vibrant atmosphere perhaps then the more modern Emirates stadium, but the history of a club and their stadium could not have been the only factor in Sahin’s decision.
Did he look at the squad lists and consider it a possibility that Liverpool’s first team was easier to negotiate his way into. Possibly in terms of sheer numbers but the highly talented Turkish midfielder would back his talents against the likes of Arteta, Diaby, Ramsey and even Rosicky on most days, and if not he is in the wrong business, so I am not sure this would have been a major factor.
You start to wonder if he even had the choice; whether the Arsenal option was pulled out from underneath him and he landed face first into Liverpool. Reportedly Liverpool agreed to paying a bigger subsidy of his weekly wage, to no permanent deal being written in stone, whilst Real Madrid were also not keen on the former Dortmund player competing in the Champions League.
Jose Mourinho’s preferred option was always for him to go to Liverpool; and be able to have him back at the end of the season as the long term replacement for former Anfield favourite Xabi Alonso. The Spanish international also played a part in the move telling Sahin of the love he still has for the Liverpool faithful.
Sahin spoke extensively however of how he had ‘made the right choice’ in his move to Liverpool; hinting at the possibility of an Arsenal option being present. As with usual in football a lot of what we will know is simply educated guesswork as to whether Nuri Sahin turned down Arsenal or whether Arsenal turned down him.
What are your thoughts? Did Sahin have a choice? If he did, has he made the right decision?
image: © peterfuchs
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