The bid comes amongst summer long speculation that new Napoli boss and former Reds manager Rafa Benitez would be keen on reuniting with players he has formally had in his dressing shed. Although this gossip was initially quashed as just another rumour, it became a shock reality once Liverpool veteran and fan favourite Pepe Reina joined the Naples club on a season long loan. Benitez brought Skrtel to Liverpool for a reported £6.5million fee in the January transfer window of 2008.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Liverpool after recent battles to hold on to Luis Suarez and Daniel Agger seem to be winning ones, the last thing Brendan Rogers needs is more speculation and angst amongst the playing group. However there were no signs of this angst during Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Stoke at Anfield on the weekend.
Many had touted Skrtel to leave the Reds this summer as they were rumoured to be targeting Greek centre back Kyriakos Papadopoulos whilst also adding Ivorian Kolo Toure to the ranks. However it seems Slovakian international Skrtel may now have a key role to play this term as recent reports indicate Sebastian Coates could be out for up to six months after suffering a torn ACL.
Many passionate and faithful Liverpool supporters also thought Skrtel was on his way out of Anfield, following a conveniently timed suspicious injury that kept him out of an International friendly as well as the Reds season opener. However it now seems Brendan Rogers will stick by his man.
After solid displays at the weekend, barring the obvious crime of a handball in the box by Agger, Kolo Toure and Daniel Agger seemed to work well together in defence with Mignolet behind them, whilst also offering a necessary goal threat from set piece. Most notably, Toure smashing a Steven Gerrard corner into the crossbar. It seems for most Premier League matches they will be Rogers’ preferred pairing, however Skrtel will not be without a chance to impress in League Cup ties and with a bit of hope the odd Premier League fixture.
So it now seems after numerous weeks of speculation Martin Skrtel seems set to continue in a Liverpool jersey, barring an improved offer from Napoli ofcourse. Surely if any £12million+ bids came in for the 28 year old, Rogers would be tempted to act. However letting Skrtel depart and being down to just Andre Wisdom as primary centre back coverage may not be the smartest idea. Hopefully it is not to long before we see Skrtel back on the park putting in his best efforts for Liverpool.
Follow Lewis on Twitter @lewisricho11
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