Liverpool transfer news: Lucas Leiva move to Besiktas in doubt
Brazilian midfielder had expected to leave Anfield for Turkey but was surprised to find himself in the starting XI at Arsenal
Liverpool fans – and Lucas Leiva himself – were not the only ones surprised to see the Brazilian midfielder included in the starting line-up for Monday’s night’s Premier League match away to Arsenal.
Besiktas were also shocked with the officials in London to seal Lucas’ move and return to the Turkish club with him today. Lucas was due to be on a flight to Istanbul this morning with his transfer – expected to be on a initial loan with an option to sign permanently – now in doubt.
Besiktas are still hopeful it will go through. They believed they had reached an agreement with Liverpool and Lucas at the end of last week. Having not featured in the first two matches for his club this season Lucas did not expect to be involved – never mind start – at the Emirates.
Besiktas were made aware in advance that Lucas had been selected to face Arsenal and remain hopeful that a deal will go through although there was further confusion after Brendan Rodgers post-match comments when he said the 28-year-old would continue at Liverpool and not be sold.
Lucas played 76 minutes against Arsenal in an impressive performance and appeared to wave his goodbyes to the travelling supporters when he was substituted.
But when asked whether Lucas would be a Liverpool player when the window closes Rodgers said: “yes”. He added: “Lucas is our best defensive midfield player we have.
There are games in which I will pay three midfield players and not always want a specific defensive one.
“But when we do need that, he's the best that we have. He came in at Arsenal and did a great job, and is very much part of what we want to do.
“Of course, every player wants to play every minute of every game and you can never guarantee that as a manager.
“But he is certainly very important to what we want to do, and is highly respected by myself, the coaching staff and the players.”
Brazilian midfielder had expected to leave Anfield for Turkey but was surprised to find himself in the starting XI at Arsenal
Liverpool fans – and Lucas Leiva himself – were not the only ones surprised to see the Brazilian midfielder included in the starting line-up for Monday’s night’s Premier League match away to Arsenal.
Besiktas were also shocked with the officials in London to seal Lucas’ move and return to the Turkish club with him today. Lucas was due to be on a flight to Istanbul this morning with his transfer – expected to be on a initial loan with an option to sign permanently – now in doubt.
Besiktas are still hopeful it will go through. They believed they had reached an agreement with Liverpool and Lucas at the end of last week. Having not featured in the first two matches for his club this season Lucas did not expect to be involved – never mind start – at the Emirates.
Besiktas were made aware in advance that Lucas had been selected to face Arsenal and remain hopeful that a deal will go through although there was further confusion after Brendan Rodgers post-match comments when he said the 28-year-old would continue at Liverpool and not be sold.
Lucas played 76 minutes against Arsenal in an impressive performance and appeared to wave his goodbyes to the travelling supporters when he was substituted.
But when asked whether Lucas would be a Liverpool player when the window closes Rodgers said: “yes”. He added: “Lucas is our best defensive midfield player we have.
There are games in which I will pay three midfield players and not always want a specific defensive one.
“But when we do need that, he's the best that we have. He came in at Arsenal and did a great job, and is very much part of what we want to do.
“Of course, every player wants to play every minute of every game and you can never guarantee that as a manager.
“But he is certainly very important to what we want to do, and is highly respected by myself, the coaching staff and the players.”
let's hope so.
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