Del Piero to knock back Liverpool offer to join Sydney
Published:Liverpool’s approach for Alessandro Del Piero has been confirmed, but Sydney FC remain confident that their package will be enough to lure the Juventus legend to Australia.
Brendan Rogers’ need for a striker is well documented, especially after failing to replace Andy Carroll on transfer deadline day.
The free transfer market now represents the only chance of immediate reinforcements, but a touted return for Michael Owen has no substance as he has joined Stoke instead.
Del Piero is the next target, but Liverpool face strong opposition from Sydney, who it seemed had already completed a deal last week.
It is reported that the offer on the table would make Del Piero not only the highest played footballer in the country, but his salary would also be way beyond any rugby players in Australia.
Furthermore, he would have the opportunity to be a major ambassador for the A-League and potentially have the same impact that David Beckham has had on the MLS.
This will be hard for Liverpool to compete with, especially if the purse strings remain tight.
Liverpool were unwilling to pay the extra £2m required to capture Clint Dempsey on deadline day, so it is unlikely they will offer a bumper package to Del Piero, even if he will not cost a transfer fee.
However, with Rodgers perhaps becoming a bit desperate to provide competition to Luis Suarez and Fabio Borini in attack, Liverpool may be prepared to push the boat out that bit more.
If Del Piero opts for the easier standard and financial package of Sydney now that he is a 37-year-old, alternate free transfer options do remain open to Liverpool.
Eidur Gudjohnsen is perhaps the most lucrative and his link play could be an asset, while Hernan Crespo is available after leaving Parma in February.
As a last possible option, Emile Heskey is still free.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
