By dixon9
January 22 2011

Portuguese sport newspaper “A Bola” headlines this morning with the news that the Benfica President is now in London to participate in final negotiations with Chelsea suits for the transfer of centre-back David Luiz.  The suggested fee by the paper is €25M (£21M) + a “young player”.

Who this “young player” is anyone’s guess but there was a rumour in the week that they were very interested in Kalou and had been tracking him for some time.  

Taking into account that Benfica were holding out for around €30M (£25.5M), I can only guess that our previous reported offer of £16M - with a hypothetical Kalou now included - makes up the required fee, putting a valuation of around £9.5M on Kalou.  Perhaps a bit low? There could be room for negotiation in our favour there.  It will of course, be interesting to finally receive confirmation of who the “young player” is and therefore the resultant final fee. 

I have trouble imagining Ancelotti wanting to lose Kalou (despite mixed and hotly debated opinions on Kalou’s performances by Chelsea supporters!) although his departure may put an extra spring in Sturridge's step!

Luiz is seen as an essential signing by Ancelotti as this would provide vital support for an injury torn position with (as Gabrielle Marcotti astutely points out) the consequent breaking up of the Terry/Alex partnership greatly contributing to our recent plummet from a comfortable top of the league to a now struggling 4^th position.   

The 6’ 2’’, 23 year old defender Luiz likes to bomb forward and is very tough in the tackle in a Carvalhoesque manner.  Some say he’s too aggressive and referees are consequently often reaching into their top pockets.  He’s very adaptable though and can comfortably play as left-back.

No doubt we’ll see some kind of announcement today (surely the Benfica President wants to get back to his family for Sunday?!).

Luiz Signing Imminent – Benfica President in London

Discussion started by 50 Years Over 100 Years , 22/01/2011 07:36

50 Years Over 100 Years
22/01/2011 07:36

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Since 66
22/01/2011 08:37

If the deal is true, this might stall Kakuta's loan to Fulham



Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free

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dixon9
22/01/2011 09:29

Might well do.

Sky have just reported that Ancelotti has said that negotiations with Luiz are continuing.



"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.

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dixon9
22/01/2011 14:56

Luiz NOT in Benfica's squad for their league match today...



"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.

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Mdot
22/01/2011 21:14

For people that don't follow the Portuguese Liga, David is serving a 1 match ban today and that's the reason he's not playing. As a Benfica fan I don't want to lose this player but at the same time 25million + Kalou can be a good deal for us.

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dixon9
23/01/2011 04:11

1 match ban? ah!



"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.

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Trident
23/01/2011 07:43

its madness that a centre half can cost that much there are better centre halves available at half that price. Benefica are trying to ransom Chelsea cause of their riches. They can rather go for the other options they have.

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dixon9
26/01/2011 04:53

Well the media are now saying 25m (GBP) plus a young player - Matic or Radjovic - putting the fee at around 30m!!!

If true, then I agree that we are being held to ransom. Trouble is, Anco feels he needs this player.



"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.

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carefree
29/01/2011 10:24

We did the right thing we will not be held to ransom anymore.

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