Guillem Balague - Sky Sports Expert

Reds can't go wrong

Posted: 25th July 2007 11:38

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Guillem Balague Revista

Balague believes the signing of Torres is shrewd business

Samuel Eto'o was his first option but soon it was clear that however much he wanted him, it would be almost impossible to get the Cameroon international

Quotes of the week

- Torres is nicknamed 'El Nino', meaning 'The Kid'.
- He has made 40 international appearances, scoring 14 goals.
- El Nino scored 82 goals in 214 games during his six years at Atletico Madrid.

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Revista, Tuesdays, Sky Sports 1

Guillem Balague has followed Fernando Torres' move to Liverpool from start to finish and with the former Atletico icon now an Anfield player, looks back at the summer's biggest deal so far. He says Atletico might not be getting the money their fans expect, but on the other hand, Liverpool cannot lose...

When Rafa Benitez convinced the new owners of Liverpool they had to spend big money to take his team to the next level, he thought about making a ground-breaking move for a striker.

Samuel Eto'o was his first option but soon it was clear that however much he wanted him, it would be almost impossible to get the Cameroon international - he was wanted by many but the player, having thought about leaving, indicated finally he wants to stay at Barcelona.

So before the Champions League Final, the Liverpool manager had already chosen his future centre-forward.

It was not going to be Diego Forlan because of the doubts that exist in the manager's mind following his previous spell in the Premier League with Manchester United; nor Zaragoza's Diego Milito who, the boss thought, doesn't really have the pace needed to succeed in England; nor Juventus's David Trezeguet, who was waiting for a call from Barcelona or Real Madrid.

So it soon became clear that the best option (in terms of the money-quality split) was Fernando Torres and talks began before the end of May.

When the player played through injury in the last two matches of the season, it was obvious his only objective was to help Atletico fulfil their dream of qualifying for the Uefa Cup.

But by then he already knew about the interest from Liverpool and even if Atletico did make it, there was still the suspicion that things would end in Torres pulling on the red shirt of one of the most famous clubs in the world.

The player was ready for a new challenge and after Atletico did not qualify for Europe for the eighth consecutive season, there was only one outcome of the talks.

The agreement between Torres and the two clubs has been in place for weeks but if it wasn't confirmed by any of the parties earlier as Atletico needed to prepare their fans for it, as well as finalise agreements on the usual commissions between the parties.

The owners of Liverpool are keen on the opportunity to bring in a player of great promise, who is young enough to be allowed a first season of adapting to the style of the Premier League.

Although Torres's representatives pushed for less and Liverpool wanted to sign him for seven years, a six-year-deal has of course been agreed between them.

That means Liverpool have little to lose.

If the move doesn't work out, Torres will be able to return to Spain in three years time when he will still only be 26 and they will still have the chance to recoup the money spent.

Finally, according to Liverpool executives, the Anfield club has paid around £20million for the player (including Luis Garcia, but not Djibril Cisse as had been discussed) - although Atletico will keep insisting they have received almost the totality of his buy out clause, another leak to the press that is trying to help the unrest of fans.

I know who to believe!

As the British media all agree, that money makes Torres one of the most important signings in the history of the Premiership.

Comments

Jonno Clark (Liverpool fan) says...

God i'll bet Deez Nutz had kept his mouth shut now... "another dodgy signing by rafa,torres will never be a 20 goal a season man and after a few tackles by john terry and them guys he will be back at athletico within three years." In your dreams mate, 33 goals in his 1st season and 24 in the league makes him the leading goal scorer in a debut season for a foreigner!!! oh and his goal against chelsea....skinned and rattled terry!

Posted 18:10 18th May 2008

Cam Orchard (Liverpool fan) says...

Fernando Torres Is electric and i wouldnt be suprised to see him get 25-30 Goals in all compititions this year LIVERPOOL FOR THE LEAGUE !!!!

Posted 13:13 4th September 2007

Nice Nwokoro (Liverpool fan) says...

The signs have always been there for all to see. His beautiful goal against Chelski is a pointing signal. As Sir Steven said on Sunday, given the right service, Torres will get his goals. He's got the heart and he's got the head. Barring demonic injuries, 20 goals in all competitions is NOT impossible for El-Nino. Not with the world class service expected from our quality midfield maestros. Fernando's work rate will see him notch up reasonable assists as well. All Rafa needs is get his substitution timing and techniques spot on. There is no stopping the Kop this term.

Posted 12:56 21st August 2007

Mx Euro (Liverpool fan) says...

Saw Torres come on in Toulouse and explode when he got the ball. Brilliant goal against Chelski and didnt he get Terry rattled. He will get the goals and could be bigger than King Kenny Dalgleish.

Posted 10:41 20th August 2007

Simon Mccarthy (Arsenal fan) says...

Real Madrid completed one of the most dramatic climax's to La Liga last season that we have seen in years in Spain just pipping arch rivals Barcelona on the final game of the season to be crowned once again as Spanish Champions. This season it could be a different team from Madrid challenging for the crown. Atletico Madrid may rival their city partners this season even without the formidable Fernando "El Nino" Torres in their ranks after being sold to Liverpool for a bargain ¿25 million. Atletico moved quick this summer to secure the major signings of Diego Forlan, Luis Garcia, Jose Antonio Reyes, and Raul Garcia to quell the anger of the fans after letting go their most gifted product and all time leading goal scorer. Can they improve on their 6th position from last season and maybe it will be the red and white of Atletico tired around the Primera League trophy at the end of the season. http://itsonlyagame-sm.blogspot.com/

Posted 15:04 8th August 2007

Deez Nutz (St Albans fan) says...

another dodgy signing by rafa,torres will never be a 20 goal a season man and after a few tackles by john terry and them guys he will be back at athletico within three years.

Posted 14:21 8th August 2007

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