Anybody remember Havard Nordtveit? I didn’t think so. The Norwegian spent three years with Arsenal, from 2007 to December 2010 before joining Borussia Monchengladbach. The reason you’ve never heard of him? Well, he was never really a part of Arsenal’s first team set-up. He joined the Gunners back when he was just 17-years-old and was viewed as one for the future. Despite him becoming the Arsenal Reserve team captain, things obviously didn’t pan out leading to Wenger letting him leave before he gained any first team action.
So what are we to make of the news that the 21-year-old has been linked with a move to Liverpool? According to Sky Sports, reports in Germany suggest that the Reds are lining up a summer move for the former Arsenal starlet.
Speaking to Nettavisen Nordtveit admitted he was unaware of any interest from Liverpool: “I have not heard anything concrete about it from Borussia. If it is just rumours or not I do not know. Borussia want me to focus 100 per cent on the job I have now. It is best we look at it after the season. I would like to continue my progress next year.”
Asked if he’d like another attempt at cracking the Premier League, Nordtveit was surprisingly keen: “Yes, absolutely. Premier League is a great league and it’s every boy’s dream to play there. I said that I will play there once in a lifetime. Whether it happens in one year, five years or ten years. It is always flattering to be linked to clubs like this, even if it’s just rumours. It is positive and shows that I’m doing something right.”
So Nordtveit is game, but should Liverpool look to make this transfer happen? Monchengladbach are currently third place in the League (5 points behind Borussia Dortmund) and the former Arsenal man has established himself as a key player. He left the Gunners as a centre-back but has transformed into a defensive-midfielder at Gladbach and looks all the better for it.
Reports also suggest that Wenger was reluctant to let him go, but was aware that there was no room for him in the first team squad. It may just have been a case of, right man, wrong time.
Despite this, I still feel that Liverpool could do better. The Reds need players that can offer something immediately, not just potential for the future. Whilst Nordtveit may come good, he has got absolutely no Premier League experience and may not have what it takes.
If Liverpool are to scour the Bundesliga for a defender, I personally hope that they go for Dortmund’s Neven Subotic. The big Serbian defender would cost a fair amount but would also come with a far more impressive pedigree.
What’s your take – should the Reds steer clear this time?
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Subotic is winning titles and playing CL. Why would he move to Liverpool? Liverpool was just add another over rated player to their overrated squad