Where to now for Torres?

Ajax striker Luis Suarez is on his way to Liverpool - but seemingly as a replacement for Fernando Torres and not as a strike partner.

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Ajax striker Luis Suarez is on his way to Liverpool - but seemingly as a replacement for Fernando Torres and not as a strike partner.

Anfield fans’ joy at the club landing a big-name striker was short-lived after word filtered out that Torres’ advisors had asked Liverpool to “reconsider” the huge offer made by Chelsea for the player this week.

Torres is believed to have told the club that a departure from Merseyside is now the right move for his career.

The Anfield club have turned down Torres’ initial request and told the Spain striker they expect him to honour his long-term contract.

Chelsea, undeterred by their first bid of around £35m being unsuccessful, will come back before tomorrow night’s transfer deadline with an increased offer of £38m with striker Daniel Sturridge believed to be a potential £5 million makeweight.

Liverpool yesterday agreed to a £22.8m fee with Ajax Amsterdam for Uruguay international Suarez but just hours later Torres handed in his request.

“Fernando Torres submitted a written transfer request, which has been rejected by Liverpool,” said a club statement.

“Fernando is under long-term contract and the club expect him to honour the commitment he made to Liverpool FC and its supporters when he signed the agreement.”

It had been hoped the capture of Uruguayan Suarez would provide the necessary evidence that American owners Fenway Sports Group were serious about investing in the squad and convince star names like Torres and goalkeeper Jose Reina that they could have a successful future at Anfield.

However, it appears the 26-year-old’s mind had already been made up to ask to leave in the wake of Chelsea’s bid even though he has a contract until the end of 2013.

The Stamford Bridge side have tried to sign Torres before and last summer it seemed they were preparing to make another offer when the player returned from South Africa as a World Cup winner.

But Torres - an Anfield idol - put an end to the speculation when he spoke publicly of his feelings for the club in August, saying: “My commitment and loyalty to the club and to the fans is the same as it was on my first day when I signed.”

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish, an Anfield legend, is a man Torres has great respect and feeling for, so if anyone can talk the Spaniard round it is the legendary Scot. - Belfast Telegraph

Source: http://www.iol.co.za/where-to-now-for-torres-1.1018736

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