Rickie Lambert’s move to Liverpool was a flop, as the striker scored three goals in 36 total appearances. Now, his run at Anfield may be over after just one season.
The Guardian is reporting that a deal is being finalized that would send Lambert to West Bromwich Albion, where manager Tony Pulis is hoping he would find new life. Pulis compared the striker to a “brand new car out of the garage,” as Lambert is well rested after nearly exclusively coming off the bench for Liverpool. Lambert would see much more playing time with the Baggies, especially should Saido Berahino make a move away from The Hawthorns.
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Sticking with the theme of strikers flopping at Liverpool, Mario Balotelli has been linked with a move back to his native Italy. Sampdoria and Lazio have expressed interest in the controversial striker, and now newly promoted Bologna also want to bring Balotelli back to Serie A.
After coming to Anfield from AC Milan in a $26 million deal, Balotelli rarely saw the pitch for Brendan Rodgers’ side and scored just one goal in the Premier League. Now that Liverpool has brought in Christian Benteke, Danny Ings and Roberto Firmino, Balotelli is seen as excess and will likely be sold for much less than he was bought for last August.
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Chelsea’s Mohamed Salah has flown into Rome and is expected to undergo a medical before joining Roma on loan. The move was thought to be completed, but Fiorentina continues to dispute Salah’s contract with the club. Salah spent half of last season with Fiorentina on loan, and the club threatened to take legal action should the winger try to leave.
While Fiorentina won’t let Salah leave, they let goalscorer Mario Gomez go on loan to Turkish side Besiktas. After scoring bundles of goals in the Bundesliga for Stuttgart and Bayern Munich, injuries have slowed his production with Fiorentina. The one-year loan deal also gives Besiktas the option to make the move permanent after this season.
