Reports, such as this from Daily Mail, have emerged stating that Liverpool are considering a deal for Cameroon forward Samuel Eto’o. The 33-year old striker was released by Chelsea at the end of last season, and since then has had talks with Dutch champions Ajax Amsterdam. No evidence of the contractual discussions have been revealed for now, but his name is reportedly on Brendan Rodgers’ summer shopping list.
Rodgers is keen to add to his offensive options, and rightly so, especially after the departure of the mercurial Uruguayan Luis Suarez, who scored 31 goals and provided 12 more assists. After his attempt to sign now-Arsenal winger Alexis Sanchez, he tried to acquire the services of French striker Loic Remy, which broke down at the eleventh hour for undisclosed reasons.
Last season, Liverpool’s success was largely due to the phenomenal amount of goals they scored. While they’re still capable of creating enthralling plays, as depicted in the 4-0 win over Borrusia Dortmund, Daniel Sturridge is the only dependable goalscorer they have. Newcomer Rickie Lambert has failed to put it past the keeper so far, and also missed a penalty; he’s never missed spot kicks since signing for Southampton. These are signs showing that he’s being pressured to score goals. Such signs don’t bode well, especially with the dawn of the Premier League season just around the corner.
Current forward options include Sturridge, Fabio Borini and Lambert. A A £14m deal has been agreed with Sunderland for Borini, but the striker wants to stay and fight for his place. Given Sturridge’s injury record, Liverpool cannot depend on the likes of an unproven Borini and a misfiring Lambert. Rodgers needs a genuine goalscoring forward, who is not only capable of playing along with Sturridge in wide positions, but also capable of replacing him if he is injured or needs a rest. Rodgers’ former targets, Sanchez and Remy, are perfect examples.
Eto’o scored 9 goals in the Premier League last season, indicating he still has it. He adds experience to the youthful, vigorous forward line, and will serve as a player who will guide them. However, he does not fit the FSG style of buying players; he is neither young, nor hungry to prove something. He may be on a free, but last season, Chelsea paid £7 million on wages for him, which is absurdly an annual drop of £13 million from his contract with Anzhi Makhachkala. Such astronomical fees do not justify the player’s performances.
Eto’o is a journeyman player, and will come to Liverpool temporarily, if signed, to do a job for them. However in Rickie Lambert, Liverpool already have an experienced forward and a boyhood fan, who is willing to sit in benches, teach younger players and also put in his wholehearted effort when he’s given the time to play. Lambert scored 13 goals last season for Southampton. Undoubtedly, Eto’o would be an unnecessary addition.
Replacing Suarez isn’t easy, but replacing him with two players Lambert and Eto’o, who are 31 and 32 respectively and have scored nine goals lesser than Suarez even when both their totals are added up, is foolish business to say the least. Surely Liverpool have much better options to chase. While Radamel Falcao seems destined for Madrid and Marco Reus seems unrealistic, Rodgers should still try to sign one of Edinson Cavani or Gonzalo Higuain.
South American football analyst Tim Vickery was reported to have stated that Liverpool have lined up a big name replacement who isn’t Falcao. Hopefully for the Reds, it isn’t Samuel Eto’o.
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