Anderlecht coach Aimé Anthuenis' hopes of signing Barcelona's Finnish ace Jari Litmanen have been hit because they can't afford his wages. Anthuenis recently voiced his interest in Finnish midfielder Litmanen, who doesn't even make the bench at Barcelona. The Spanish club has told Anderlecht Litmanen could join them on loan for the rest of the season, without a fee. Litmanen's wage demands however are too high for Anderlecht. The Belgian champions have also dismissed the other option: signing Litmanen permanently for a 200 million francs (£3m) transfer fee.

Thoughts? I particularly like the bit in bold...

-- Anonymous, January 03, 2001

Answers

Very gifted player, but injury prone, asthmatic, and also plays in midfield. His signing would just further complicate finding the best position for YKD.
Not for me anyway.

-- Anonymous, January 03, 2001

It would seem an ideal cost exercise but I wouldn't like to have Litmanen at our club. Too injury prone and I have my doubts about his capability of making it in the premiership, not his style.

We need a bigger man as well.

-- Anonymous, January 03, 2001

I'm pretty sure YBR would've approached them ages ago if he was interested in him.

-- Anonymous, January 03, 2001

Latest reports have him Anfield bound - thereby swapping Barcelona Reserves for 'Pool Reserves!

-- Anonymous, January 03, 2001

Jari is a gentleman, and was one of the most gifted (and underated) players of the 90's IMHO. Some of his performances for Ajax were truly sublime. Tragic that one injury after the other have plagued his career. Following Van Gaal to Barca wasn't perhaps the wisest move and I share the doubts over his suitability for the rough and tumble of the English game. However I have great respect for the man and as he's a keen Liverpool fan I hope things work out for him should he end up at Anfield. At his best he reminded me of Beardsley and there are few higher compliments than that.

-- Anonymous, January 03, 2001