We’re almost in the Silly Season now, at least as far as our own transfer rumours go. If you’ve been watching the online news factories you’ll know that when it comes to Sevco targets we’re not really in the Silly Season as much as the Absolutely Out Your Face On Glue Season … one report from Turkey today – and which I predict will soon be all over the shop – says Gerrard (who’s not even got an Ibrox office yet, don’t forget) has made a £4 million “bid” for Skrtel.
Who, by the way, is on £100,000 a week and is 33.
So the Barking Mad Like A Rabid Dog Season has started already over there, but we have just under a week to go before our own silliness gets underway … but there is one story out there that just will not die, that’s been doing the rounds for a while and won’t quit.
The story in question is the one about Abel Hernandez.
Hernandez is a quality player.
He has all the attributes to be a masterstroke signing if we were to pull it off.
He’s 27. He’s played in top leagues. He’s available on a free. His wages and personal terms will be huge; there’s no denying it. But we can give this guy Champions League football, the chance to win trophies, the opportunity to become a legend.
Will we get him? I don’t know.
Are we trying to? All the information I have says we are.
A three-year contract offer is already on the table, according to Phil MacGiollabhain. That tracks with what I’ve heard elsewhere. Our interest is certainly real. If a concrete offer has been made, then I expect we’ll be in the race. He won’t simply dismiss us.
On balance, I do doubt we’ll get him. It would be a hard sell if someone was offering crazy money. Some team from England or Spain could come in with a mega-bucks bid that blows him away, but equally if he’s looking for security for himself and his family whilst also getting the adulation and the profile he’s never had before he’ll be tempted.
That we’re in the hunt at all tells you that the free transfer market is one we intend to exploit if the right player comes along. I’ve often argued that we’ve been overlooking it in recent years.
Hernandez is of the quality we’re looking for.
This would be a step in the right direction.
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