Barca took Suarez and Masch, Madrid took Alonso and Arbeloa (who arguably would still be our first choice fullback today). The Chavs took Torres (who was failing but still). Seems to me that aside from one or three dodgy transfer dealings, other teams are to blame for a lot of our inability to get to the very top. Soon as we get there or thereabouts; the vultures come in and nick our best players. This is Liverpool FC!
Let's say a player has good (optimal) 10 years in him - more or less. Age 17, 18, 19, still developing. Age 31, 32, 33 etc, you have to change your style of play because perhaps you don't have the acceleration or the stamina you once had.
Let's say you buy Luis Suarez 21 years of age from Ajax. He's 24 now but you managed to get him to sign a 2 year extension to his contract when he was 22, meaning he's yours until 25 years of age. Barca/Madrid come sniffing so you sell for £75m. Suarez/Torres/Alonso/Masch have gone.
Is it better to say "No sorry, you stay here until the end of your contract and then can go for nothing if needs be". Sure he's going for a freebie, but you still have him in your team for 2 to 3 more years. Klopp did it with Lewandoski and the nearly won the ECL.
But what if the player doesn't want to play for you? For me, unless you really are a super brat, you will want to play 'football'. You won't be happy playing golf all day or just picking up a paycheck for 3 years (Tevez being the exception not the rule). Besides, if the player clearly isn't carrying out his side of the contract, just stop his wages
There's too much power in the players' hands
Should we start saying 'No. You're staying until the last day of your contract'.
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