Here at EOTK, we’ve been huge admirers of the way Klopp’s suddenly started playing hardball over departing players’ transfer fees.
The German has sought to instill a philosophy getting what he deems a player to be worth rather than settling for less.
Nowhere has that been more evident than in the Benteke saga. We’ve now rejected two bids from Crystal Palace for his services and are demanding that club’s meet his £32.5 million valuation before we do business.
However, UEFA football expert Dave Philips has now thrown a new spanner into the equation.
He claims that if we don’t play the Belgian it at least 10 percent of our games this season – which equates to about 380 minutes – he could terminate his Liverpool contract for nothing at the end of the season.
That’s because he’s an “established professional” in the eyes of a FIFA ruling.
Ultimately, he could, therefore, leave for nothing next May.
A note on Benteke in the event he stays at #lfc: the club will be obliged to play him in a certain number of matches (including as a sub).
— Dave Phillips (@lovefutebol) August 17, 2016
That is, if the club wishes to avoid him being able to terminate his contract under the regulation of “sporting just cause”. #lfc
— Dave Phillips (@lovefutebol) August 17, 2016
As a minimum #lfc would need to ensure he appeared in a minimum 10% of official (competitive) matches over the course of the season.
— Dave Phillips (@lovefutebol) August 17, 2016
So – if he stays – don’t be too frustrated that he may be chosen from time to time over a “better option”. There’s a reason for it. #lfc
— Dave Phillips (@lovefutebol) August 17, 2016
This regulation applies – on a case-by-case basis – to any “established professional” (not simply someone defined as a professional). #lfc
— Dave Phillips (@lovefutebol) August 17, 2016
An established pro is “[one whose] … skill is at least equal to or even superior to those of his team-mates who appear regularly”. #lfc
— Dave Phillips (@lovefutebol) August 17, 2016
38 league and a minimum of 2 cup games equates to 3,600 minutes over a league season, so that’s 360 minutes, or four full games. #lfc
— Dave Phillips (@lovefutebol) August 17, 2016
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That bid from Palace suddenly looks a lot more attractive, doesn’t it?!