Liverpool or Arsenal: Who represents the ideal transfer move?
There may be an easy route to landing Kyriakos Papadopoulos this summer from Schalke. The 21-year-old spent the second half of last season out of action following knee surgery, allowing Joel Matip to take over in the centre of defence. The club have also gone on to add Felipe Santana this summer from rivals Borussia Dortmund. For all his talent, the road back to regular first-team football at Veltins Arena may not be too straightforward.
Both Liverpool and Arsenal have been linked with moves for the Greek defender, with the former said to have cooled their interest. Yet it’s easy to see why both Brendan Rodgers and Arsene Wenger have identified Papadopoulos as the ideal addition to their respective backlines.
[cat_link cat=”premiership” type=”list”]
Rodgers’ stylistic approach ahead of next season looks to be taking shape, with Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto already in the bag. Papadopoulos is a quick, defensively excellent centre-back, able to help Liverpool play a high defensive line. Although not quite at the level of some of the best centre-backs in the world, the Greek international isn’t too far off, with greater attention needed to playing the ball out from the back and distributing to the forwards.
His strength, presence and leadership completely belies his age. It’s very much a case of if they’re good enough they’ll play, regardless of age and inexperience. That is absolutely true for Papadopoulos who has all the makings of a future captain both at club and international level. Certainly the perfect replacement for Jamie Carragher at Anfield.
At Arsenal, the first-team opportunities are likely to be more limited. Wenger has already identified his first-choice centre-back pairing and will be keen to offer continuity to the team in the way of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny. But that shouldn’t take away from the club’s need for quality in depth. Johan Djourou looks to be on his way out with Hamburg and Hannover likely to offer him a place for next season at least, and with plenty of hopes as to how far Arsenal can go in the coming season, three senior centre-backs is cutting it too fine.
The youngster would also represent a far better investment for Arsenal than the signing of Ashley Williams, even if he is to replace Thomas Vermaelen, whose future remains unclear. Papadopoulos has experience of Champions League football, is sure to become the cornerstone of any team’s defence for the foreseeable future and, on the financial front, isn’t too great a gulf over what Williams is likely to cost. Schalke remain adamant that the youngster isn’t for sale, but notably the signing of Santana and the debt within the club could see a transfer if the price is right.
While it’s difficult to draw any considerable negatives to the signing of one of Europe’s most talented defenders, the matter really comes down to who would benefit the player most. Of course, should he move this summer, Papadopoulos would miss out on Champions League football either with Schalke or Arsenal if he opts for Anfield. Yet there would be far more importance placed on him should he link up with Rodgers – something that is likely to shape the player’s final decision.
Far from saying he has an attitude problem, the youngster still needs to learn to control his emotions in games. The guidance of Arsene Wenger has been of benefit to many in the past in this regard, and there’s little doubting the Frenchman’s impact on Papadopoulos should he arrive at Arsenal.
For both clubs, but notably for Arsenal, it will act as another important step in the right direction. Papadopoulos has received plenty of attention and admiration since arriving on the big stage with Schalke. He displayed why clubs like Manchester United have been on the hunt for his signature with a number of fine displays at the European Championships last summer. But above all and already a name with an impressive reputation in European football, there is little in the way of a gamble with the potential signing of the defender. Should he return to form immediately following his injury, he’d be a fantastic signing for either club.
Which club would be the best choice for Papadopoulos this summer?
Join the debate below
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
How committed a fan are you…
[poll ]
[poll ]