Why Liverpool missing out on £18 million target could prove a blessing in disguise

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According to reports, Ezequiel Lavezzi would prefer a move to Juventus over the Reds.

That would put Liverpool’s reported £18 million bid for the Argentine in jeopardy. But would it be such a bad thing?

After pulling out of their attempts to bring Loic Remy to Anfield, the Reds have been urged from all corners to sign another forward.

Wilfried Bony has been suggested this summer, so has Jay Rodriguez. Klaas Jan Huntelaar, briefly, has seen his name thrown into the mix, too. The reason Liverpool haven’t signed any of these names so far, though, is because they are waiting for a striker of the requisite quality.

Is Lavezzi the right man for the role at 29 years of age?

As Opta stats show, the Argentina endured a blunt World Cup, failing to score and registering just one assist in six appearances. He was out-dribbled by Raheem Sterling (and matched by Daniel Sturridge) and out-crossed by Steven Gerrard.

And for Paris Saint-Germain last season, it was only slightly better. In the Champions League, Lavezzi scored twice and registered two assists but often found himself uninvolved in big games.

In Ligue 1, he scored nine times in 32 appearances. Is that really worth paying £18 million for considering Lavezzi’s age?

Indeed, the biggest plus point of signing the Argentine would simply be his name and reputation. He can play out wide but so can Sterling, Lazar Markovic, Philippe Coutinho, Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana, many of whom have already cost the Reds millions and millions of pounds.

As an out-and-out striker, meanwhile, the 29-year-old simply isn’t clinical enough.

Maybe a move to Juventus would be best for all parties, then. Liverpool will cope just as well without the forward.