Aquilani set for summer Liverpool return
The Italian press remain far from convinced that Juventus will take up the reported £13.5 million option to capture Alberto Aquilani permanently at the end of the season, meaning that the Roman midfielder could yet return to parent club Liverpool.
The Reds offloaded the Italy international on a season-long loan and probably thought that they had seen the last of him as Juventus enjoyed another summer spending spree, however the funds have dried up, as shown by their inability to purchase long-term target Giampaolo Pazzini in January, and Aquilani could be a casualty.
The Old Lady's sporting director Giuseppe Marotta has sought to reassure all involved parties by claiming that they are keen to keep Aquilani and expect to eventually hold talks with Liverpool, but the 26-year-old's form has dwindled since an impressive autumn.
Marotta said: "He has to feel comfortable because the fact that we took him on loan didn't mean that we had to evaluate him. His qualities have been known since he played in his youth for Roma and in the national team. In due time, we'll meet with Liverpool and we will do everything to keep him with us."
Juventus have made a turbulent start to 2011 and followed a victory over fierce rivals Inter Milan with a shock defeat to Lecce. That result prompted both speculation that coach Luigi Del Neri will be replaced by Fabio Capello and also an angry attack on the players by president Andrea Agnelli.
Former sporting director Alessio Secco has expressed doubts over whether Aquilani has earned a permanent move to Turin. He said: "The player hasn't given the quality necessary to help the Bianconeri make that jump in class...I think that Aquilani hasn't had a great season and that signing him for £13.5 million seems a very exaggerated figure."
Reds fans, would you be happy to see Aquilani return? Tell us below...
Published: 22 Feb 2011
pebe (February 22, 2011 4:29 PM) said:
Would love him back at LFC. He was just starting to look good when Woy Hodgson sent him out on loan....bad move should have given aquaman a chance. Under King Kenny he will shine; he can't be any worse than Joe Cole or N'gog. If aquaman can't shine under KK then LFC will offload him...Simples!
kelvinn (February 22, 2011 4:41 PM) said:
i want aquilani back for sure he will boost the midfield it looks week at the moment. with gerrard aquilani and meireles, and then forward carroll suarez,or maybe lavezzi it will be nice
zayd abdullah (February 22, 2011 5:10 PM) said:
bring him back
John (February 22, 2011 7:14 PM) said:
I agree with those above, bring him back and give him a chance to shine - competition for places breeds better performances and focus.
LFC (February 22, 2011 7:29 PM) said:
We must keep him quality player great shooting ability
jonah nsidibe (February 22, 2011 8:03 PM) said:
i will be very happy and fulfill to see aqua
sap (February 23, 2011 4:16 AM) said:
he can give liverpool more creativity in engine room...rite now we are really dependable with meireles and gerrard.
mohaa (February 23, 2011 8:21 AM) said:
am verey happy to see him back aqui
shane (February 23, 2011 12:57 PM) said:
they are insulting liverpool with there 5mill offering price.liverpool should tell juve to p*** off and just bring aquaman back and start building a partnership with meireles as he has allready worked with stevie G
jonjo106 (February 23, 2011 6:46 PM) said:
with stevie G, meireles, cole, carroll and suarez, aquilani would be in at the starting of King Kenny's wonderteam. Get your case packed aqui . . .
Alan (February 24, 2011 2:55 AM) said:
Tell Juventus to go shopping at the nearest thieves market!! They might just find what they need for 5 mil.