Hungarian starlet subject of interest from Italy and Spain...
14 Apr 2010 13:13:00
EXCLUSIVE
By Neil Jones | Liverpool Correspondent
Rafael BenÃtez must decide upon the future of young Liverpool striker Krisztian Nemeth or risk losing him this summer, according to the player's agent.
Tibor Pataky told Goal.com UK that 21-year-old Nemeth - who is currently on loan at Greek side AEK Athens - would be happy to return to Anfield at the end of the season, but hinted at interest from across Europe.
"It is no secret that AEK are happy with the boy," he said, "Of course they are; he is a fantastic talent and an excellent prospect. But if they wish to extend his loan contract then they will need to speak with Liverpool.
"If every party can agree, then it is not impossible that Krisztian can extend his contract to stay in Athens for another season."
"Our treatment from Liverpool from day one has been fantastic, and as a result Krisztian wishes to do what Mr Benitez wants."
"But we have had other serious interest from clubs in Europe - from Italy and from Spain - so it is up to Liverpool to decide what is best for them and for us."
Nemeth has made 13 appearances for AEK this season, scoring three goals, and reports earlier this week suggested that the Greek side were seeking to extend the Hungarian Under-21 star's loan deal by another season.
Pataky admits that such a deal could well take place if all parties are satisfied, but also hinted at further interest from clubs across the continent.
Benitez faces a tough decision on Nemeth, after a season littered with complaints about a lack of striking depth beyond Spanish star Fernando Torres, who has endured an injury-disrupted campaign. Young Frenchman David Ngog has often been left to lead the line alone at Anfield, despite his relative lack of experience.
Serbian forward Milan Jovanovic is expected to join from Standard Liege on a free transfer in the summer, but Nemeth - who boasts a prolific goalscoring record at reserve level for Liverpool, as well as for Hungary's Under 19 and Under 21 sides - would add to Benitez's options.
Pataky says the player has enjoyed his season at Athens, but stressed that Liverpool is the club at which he wishes to succeed.
"Krisztian has enjoyed very much his time in Greece," he revealed, "Of course the weather is another issue - there is much less rain than there is in Liverpool - but Krisztian joined AEK first and foremost for football reasons.
"He is a sensible boy and he understands why he was allowed to leave Liverpool on loan. He went to Athens to pick up experience and to develop as a footballer, and it has been a great opportunity for him, one that he has enjoyed.
"But though AEK are a huge club in Greece, Liverpool are Liverpool."
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2565/exclusives/2010/04/14/1878152/liverpool-boss-rafael-benitez-must-make-decision-on-young
14 Apr 2010 13:13:00
EXCLUSIVE
By Neil Jones | Liverpool Correspondent
Rafael BenÃtez must decide upon the future of young Liverpool striker Krisztian Nemeth or risk losing him this summer, according to the player's agent.
Tibor Pataky told Goal.com UK that 21-year-old Nemeth - who is currently on loan at Greek side AEK Athens - would be happy to return to Anfield at the end of the season, but hinted at interest from across Europe.
"It is no secret that AEK are happy with the boy," he said, "Of course they are; he is a fantastic talent and an excellent prospect. But if they wish to extend his loan contract then they will need to speak with Liverpool.
"If every party can agree, then it is not impossible that Krisztian can extend his contract to stay in Athens for another season."
"Our treatment from Liverpool from day one has been fantastic, and as a result Krisztian wishes to do what Mr Benitez wants."
"But we have had other serious interest from clubs in Europe - from Italy and from Spain - so it is up to Liverpool to decide what is best for them and for us."
Nemeth has made 13 appearances for AEK this season, scoring three goals, and reports earlier this week suggested that the Greek side were seeking to extend the Hungarian Under-21 star's loan deal by another season.
Pataky admits that such a deal could well take place if all parties are satisfied, but also hinted at further interest from clubs across the continent.
Benitez faces a tough decision on Nemeth, after a season littered with complaints about a lack of striking depth beyond Spanish star Fernando Torres, who has endured an injury-disrupted campaign. Young Frenchman David Ngog has often been left to lead the line alone at Anfield, despite his relative lack of experience.
Serbian forward Milan Jovanovic is expected to join from Standard Liege on a free transfer in the summer, but Nemeth - who boasts a prolific goalscoring record at reserve level for Liverpool, as well as for Hungary's Under 19 and Under 21 sides - would add to Benitez's options.
Pataky says the player has enjoyed his season at Athens, but stressed that Liverpool is the club at which he wishes to succeed.
"Krisztian has enjoyed very much his time in Greece," he revealed, "Of course the weather is another issue - there is much less rain than there is in Liverpool - but Krisztian joined AEK first and foremost for football reasons.
"He is a sensible boy and he understands why he was allowed to leave Liverpool on loan. He went to Athens to pick up experience and to develop as a footballer, and it has been a great opportunity for him, one that he has enjoyed.
"But though AEK are a huge club in Greece, Liverpool are Liverpool."
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2565/exclusives/2010/04/14/1878152/liverpool-boss-rafael-benitez-must-make-decision-on-young
